Overview

• Seven confirmed cholera cases in Germany and the UK are linked to holy water from Ethiopia's Bermel Giorgis holy well, consumed or brought back by travelers.
• The cholera strain is multidrug-resistant, though still treatable with tetracycline, and has genetic connections to outbreaks in Eastern and Middle Africa since 2022.
• Patients in Europe experienced severe symptoms, with several requiring hospitalization and two needing intensive care, though all have since recovered.
• The holy water, used by pilgrims for spiritual and physical healing, was heavily contaminated and transported to Europe, where it caused illness.
• Experts stress the need for global investment in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure to prevent future outbreaks and control cholera's spread.