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

Bottles of holy water brought to Europe from Ethiopia have been found to be filled with deadly cholera bacteria. 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 applying these waters from the Quara region near the Sudanese border of Ethiopia. BOTTLES FILLED WITH BACTERIA: MILLIONS OF MICROBES

The study revealed that the vibrio cholerae bacterium, which causes cholera, was found in high concentrations in the holy water bottles. Between 100 thousand and 100 million “colony-forming units” per milliliter were detected in the bottles. This indicates that the bacteria can survive during flight and in the environmental temperature of Europe. Two tourists fell severely ill and had to be admitted to intensive care, but all eventually recovered. CHOLERA: DEADLY YET PREVENTABLE

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cholera can lead to severe diarrhea, dehydration, and potentially death if left untreated. Preventive measures for cholera include drinking clean water, washing hands with soap, and getting vaccinated. “SPIRITUAL HEALING” LEADS TO BACTERIAL INFECTION

The water in question was obtained from a holy well named Bermel Giorgis, which is said to offer “spiritual enlightenment, healing, and deep connection with faith” by the local Orthodox Church. However, the health issues experienced by tourists revealed that besides these spiritual promises, serious physical risks are also associated with such waters. The latest bulletin released by the CDC warned that travelers visiting this well and their close ones who receive holy water are at risk. INCREASE IN GLOBAL CHOLERA PANDEMIC RAISES CONCERN

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