A recent report by the CDC warns that tourists who drank or splashed holy water from plastic bottles in Ethiopia may have contracted cholera due to contamination. Three German and four British tourists fell ill after consuming the contaminated water, which was taken from a well near the Ethiopian-Sudanese border.
The bacteria Vibrio cholerae, estimated to be 100,000 to 100 million colony forming units, were found in the bottles of holy water, making them viable during transport to Europe. The tourists experienced severe symptoms and required intensive care, but all eventually recovered.
Cholera can cause severe diarrhea, dehydration, and death if left untreated. Infection can be prevented by washing hands with soap, drinking treated water, and getting vaccinated against cholera. The source of contamination remains a concern, as an ongoing armed conflict in the area makes it difficult to address.
The World Health Organization reports a 13% increase in reported cases of cholera in 2023 compared to 2022, with over 4,000 deaths attributed to the disease last year. Funding cuts by the Trump administration have also hindered access to treatment for vulnerable populations worldwide.
Travelers intending to visit the contaminated well or receive gifts containing its water are advised to be aware of the risk and take necessary precautions until the source of contamination is addressed.
Source: https://futurism.com/neoscope/bottles-holy-water-cholera-european-tourists