Cholera Cases Linked to Ethiopian Travel Prompt Health Advisories in the UK and Germany

The United Kingdom and Germany have reported cholera cases linked to recent travel to Ethiopia, amidst an ongoing outbreak there. Proper hygiene and cholera vaccinations are recommended for travelers at higher risk, with guidelines for health professionals on managing potential cases.

Cholera is a serious bacterial infection that causes severe diarrhoea, and it is typically transmitted through contaminated water or food. Although the risk of cholera in the United Kingdom is low, cases have been linked to travel to affected regions such as Ethiopia. Cholera vaccination is available in the UK but is generally advised only for specific travelers.

As of March 3, 2025, Ethiopia is experiencing an ongoing cholera outbreak, which began on August 27, 2022, with 58,381 reported cases and 726 associated deaths. In 2025 alone, there have been 223 cases and four fatalities reported, reflecting the extent of the epidemic in the region.

Recent cases in the UK involve four individuals diagnosed with cholera after visiting Ethiopia in February. Three of the cases were directly linked to travel in the Amhara region, where one traveler consumed holy water from the Bermel Giorgis site. Another individual fell ill after consuming the same holy water brought back by a traveler.

Additionally, Germany reported three cholera cases associated with Ethiopian travel, where two individuals drank holy water from the same well. Symptoms appeared shortly after their return, leading to hospital treatment and confirmation of cholera, illustrating the risks of consuming untreated water.

For most travelers, the risk of contracting cholera remains low, approximately 2-3 cases per million travelers. However, individuals such as humanitarian workers or those traveling to areas experiencing outbreaks are advised to consider vaccination after a thorough risk assessment.

Travelers are recommended to consult specific cholera advice before traveling, ensuring their vaccinations are current and to take preventive measures regarding food and water safety. Upon returning from impacted regions, individuals experiencing severe symptoms should seek immediate medical attention and disclose their recent travel history to health professionals.

Health professionals should be vigilant about cholera symptoms in individuals returning from endemic areas and should facilitate testing of samples from patients presenting with severe watery diarrhoea. Prompt identification and treatment can mitigate the spread and impact of this infectious disease.

In summary, cholera remains a significant health concern linked to travel, particularly in areas experiencing outbreaks such as Ethiopia. Travelers are urged to take preventive measures, including vaccinations and proper hygiene practices, and to seek immediate medical attention if symptoms arise post-travel. Health professionals play a crucial role in monitoring and managing cholera cases among returning travelers to prevent further transmission.

Original Source: travelhealthpro.org.uk