Traced Back: The Source of Cholera Epidemic - Contaminated Holy Water from Ethiopia
In February 2023, a resurgence of cholera struck the Amhara region in Northern Ethiopia, marking the beginning of an unprecedented outbreak that would soon extend to Europe. Health officials in Germany detected the outbreak in late February, and investigations revealed its origins in a holy well in Bermel Georgis, Ethiopia.
Three residents in Germany were infected with cholera, all having been exposed to the waters of the Bermel Georgis. The story took a more alarming turn when health officials in the UK confirmed four similar cases around the same time. Two of the infected residents in Germany consumed holy water stored in a plastic bottle from Bermel Georgis during a trip, and the third was splashed with the water. The fourth person in the UK was sickened by drinking Bermel Georgis water brought home by the third person. A fifth person in the UK was also sick with cholera-like symptoms but recovered without being tested.
The cholera strain found in the UK patients genetically resembles strains previously found in Africa, confirming the outbreak's origin. This outbreak is unusual as cholera clusters extending into Europe from Ethiopia are rare, according to the researchers. The ongoing cholera outbreak in Ethiopia has sickened at least 58,381 people and killed over 700 since August 2022.
Cholera is caused by the bacteria Vibrio cholerae. To prevent infection, travelers can limit their risk by following the 'cook it, peel it, or forget it' rule, ensuring drinking water is bottled or boiled, and refraining from transporting food and/or water across borders, especially holy water.
Standard cholera prevention guidelines apply to holy water as well. It is essential to drink only safe water, either bottled water with unbroken seals or water that has been properly treated by boiling for at least one minute, or disinfected with chlorine or appropriate filters before drinking or using it for brushing teeth or preparing food. Avoid consuming holy water directly if its source is unverified or untreated for safety.
Wash your hands frequently with soap and safe water, especially before eating or preparing food and after using the toilet, to reduce the risk of transmission from contaminated surfaces or hands. Use safe food practices by eating food that is thoroughly cooked and served hot; peel fruits and vegetables yourself or eat cooked produce only. Use toilets or latrines properly to avoid environmental contamination and contamination of water sources.
Oral cholera vaccines are recommended in some situations, and community vaccine campaigns are part of outbreak control efforts. Despite improved sanitation, cholera still sickens millions of people a year and causes thousands of deaths.
Six of the seven infected individuals in Germany and the UK were hospitalized, with two needing intensive care at some point, but all eventually recovered. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to cholera prevention guidelines, especially when traveling to areas experiencing cholera outbreaks.
- In light of the recent cholera outbreak extending from Ethiopia to Europe, it's crucial to consider the role of science and technology in addressing future medical-conditions like cholera.
- As gizmodo reports, cholera prevention guidelines apply to holy water as well, emphasizing the importance of drinking only safe water to ensure health-and-wellness, especially during trips to areas with ongoing cholera outbreaks.
- According to health officials, this cholera outbreak highlights the need for addressing neurological-disorders related to water contamination, making it vital to improve water treatment methods and promote safe hygiene practices in affected regions.
- The ongoing cholera outbreak in Ethiopia underscores the need for scientific advances in handling and preventing the spread of waterborne diseases like cholera, paving the way for a healthier future for all.
