Cholera Hits Israel: Deadly Disease Sparks Travel Panic

Today Israel confirmed three cases of cholera, the first in years, according to Kan Reshet Bet. Two of the cases involved Israelis who contracted the disease while traveling in Ethiopia, while the third, identified in the Haifa area, was an Israeli infected domestically after consuming contaminated well water brought back from Ethiopia by one of the travelers. This marks a rare occurrence of cholera in Israel, a country with robust water and sanitation infrastructure, highlighting the risks of importing contaminated water from endemic regions.

Cholera, caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae (serogroups O1 or O139), is an acute diarrheal illness spread through food or water contaminated with fecal matter. Symptoms include severe diarrhea, vomiting, and leg cramps, leading to rapid dehydration that can be fatal within hours if untreated. Globally, the World Health Organization estimates 1.3 to 4 million cases and 21,000 to 143,000 deaths annually, primarily in areas with poor sanitation, such as parts of sub-Saharan Africa. In Ethiopia, ongoing outbreaks have been significant, with 58,381 cases and 726 deaths reported since 2022, including a February 2025 resurgence in the Amhara region linked to the Bermel Giorgis holy well, a pilgrimage site known for contaminated water.

The Israeli Health Ministry issued urgent advisories, urging travelers to Ethiopia to avoid tap or well water and street food, recommending bottled or boiled water instead. The ministry emphasized that cholera is not typically spread person-to-person, reducing domestic transmission risks. Preventive measures, including chlorination and environmental testing, have been implemented to safeguard water sources. Posts on X reflect public concern, noting the unusual nature of these cases in Israel.

These cases underscore the global challenge of cholera, exacerbated by climate change, conflict, and inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure. In Ethiopia, limited access to safe water (only 11.4% of the population has safely managed drinking water) and recurring outbreaks since 2015 highlight systemic issues. Israel’s proactive response aims to prevent further spread, but the incident serves as a reminder of the risks associated with travel to cholera-endemic areas.