Infection Spread
Seven European tourists, three from Germany and four from the UK, contracted multidrug-resistant cholera after using water from the Bermel Georgis holy well in Ethiopia, with two requiring intensive care but all eventually recovering.
The outbreak was traced back to the holy well, a site revered by the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, which is located in an area experiencing a cholera outbreak and armed conflict, complicating public health efforts.
Health Response and Advice
Health officials emphasized the importance of addressing the contamination source at the well to prevent further cases, noting the significant dose of Vibrio cholerae bacteria needed to cause infection.
Travelers are advised to follow safety measures in cholera-endemic areas, such as consuming bottled or boiled water and avoiding transporting food or water across borders to mitigate infection risks.