A trip to Ethiopia’s Bermel Giorgis holy well has turned out to be a costly mistake for several European tourists. After visiting the site in January, three Germans and four Britons fell ill with cholera after drinking or splashing the water on their faces. Two of the German patients required intensive care but made a full recovery.
The infections were linked to the practice of bringing water back home from the well and sharing it among friends. The holy well is considered sacred by Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church members, who visit for healing and spiritual experiences. However, it’s also located in an area experiencing a cholera outbreak, making public health interventions challenging.
The European Center for Disease Prevention and Control warns that more cases may occur until the source of contamination is addressed. Cholera requires a large dose of Vibrio cholerae bacteria to cause infection. The incident highlights the risks of bringing contaminated water back from holy sites in areas with ongoing outbreaks.
Source: https://arstechnica.com/health/2025/04/holy-water-brimming-with-cholera-compels-illness-cluster-in-europe