Ethiopia: Cholera Epidemic Strikes Gondar Town leaving 69 Infected, 2 Dead

The Health Department of Gondar Town has issued a concerning report, revealing that an outbreak of cholera has gripped the town, infecting over 69 individuals. The outbreak is believed to have been traced back to pilgrims who returned to the town after visiting the Bermiel Giorghis Monastery in Quara Wereda, West Gonder Zone, where they had sought holy water for spiritual purposes.

According to a statement by Belete Fentie, the Head of the Gondar Town Health Department, symptoms of cholera began to manifest in the town around mid-July 2023. It is believed that the initial source of the outbreak can be linked to the return of a deceased woman’s body to Gondar Town by her family.

Belete Fentie further reported that, among those diagnosed with cholera, several individuals are currently in the process of recovery, but there are still others who remain afflicted by the epidemic.

In response to the crisis, the Health Department has mobilized expert teams to implement preventive measures aimed at containing the spread of the disease.

Belete Fentie emphasized the importance of these measures, stating, “Preventive measures have been taken through teams of experts organized for the purpose. This is believed to contain the spread.”
Tragically, this is not the first instance of cholera in the region.

Belete Fentie noted that two individuals had previously lost their lives to the disease out of a total of 1,500 reported cholera cases in Quara Wereda a few months ago.

Local authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and adhere to recommended hygiene practices to prevent further transmission of the disease.

The Health Department is closely monitoring the situation and providing medical assistance to those affected.