Virginia's Lake Anna being tested after swimmers report E. coli infections, hospitalizations

Environmental officials are testing lake water at a popular recreational destination in central Virginia after at least 20 people reported E. coli infections.

The Virginia Department of Health said it had received numerous reports of gastrointestinal illness over Memorial Day weekend, mainly in children, from people who were swimming in Lake Anna. At least nine people have been hospitalized due to the infections, according to the department, which said in a June 6 statement that "all potential causes of illness, including lake water and food exposures, are being investigated."

The illnesses occurred between May 27 and June 4, according to the health department. An additional 10 cases are still under investigation, but E. coli infections have not been confirmed in those.