Bottles of “holy water” taken from a well in Ethiopia led to cholera in tourists from Germany and the UK. Experts emphasize that these waters, housing bacteria in the millions, pose a serious public health threat.

Bottles of holy water brought to Europe from Ethiopia were found to be filled with the deadly cholera bacterium. According to a new report published in the scientific journal “Eurosurveillance,” a total of seven tourists from Germany and the UK contracted cholera after consuming or touching these waters brought from the Quara region near the Sudan border in Ethiopia. BOTTLES FILLED WITH BACTERIA: MILLIONS OF MICROBES

The study revealed that the holy water bottles contained the Vibrio cholerae bacterium responsible for cholera in high concentrations. Between 100 thousand and 100 million “colony forming units” per milliliter were detected in the bottles. This indicates that the bacteria can survive during flights and at room temperature in Europe. Two tourists fell seriously ill and required intensive care, but they all recovered. CHOLERA: DEADLY YET PREVENTABLE

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cholera can lead to severe diarrhea, dehydration, and death if left untreated. Drinking clean water, washing hands with soap, and getting vaccinated are crucial for preventing cholera. “SPIRITUAL HEALING” LED TO BACTERIAL INFECTION

The particular water was obtained from a sacred well named Bermel Giorgis, which was stated by the local Orthodox Church to offer “spiritual enlightenment, healing, and deep connection with faith.” However, the health issues experienced by the tourists demonstrated that alongside such spiritual promises, there are also serious physical risks involved. The latest bulletin from the CDC indicated that travelers visiting this well and their close contacts obtaining holy water are at risk. ALARMING INCREASE IN GLOBAL CHOLERA OUTBREAK

According to the World Health Organization, cholera cases increased by 13% from the previous year in 2023, with a 71% rise in the death rate. Last year, over 4,000 people worldwide lost their lives due to cholera.