The Virginia Department of Health has updated its advisories on harmful bacteria after two new sites were discovered at Lake Anna.
The upper and Middle Pamunkey branches as well as the Upper and Middle North Anna Branches of Lake Anna in Orange, Louisa and Spotsylvania counties are experiencing a harmful algae bloom.
“Scum will be on the surface of the water, said Margaret Smigo, Virginia Department of Health, “And look kind of like a blue-green paint has been spilled."
She says the Department of Health advises you to stay out of the water where signs are posted, but since they can’t monitor every pond and lake, if there is doubt, stay out.
“Some can affect the liver or your gastrointestinal system.”
Others can affect your nervous system, others can cause rashes or skin irritations, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. VDH has a hotline and can advise on when to seek medical attention.
And they caution to keep your pets out of the water, they are even more susceptible to Harmful Algae Bloom.
