A Cholera epidemic blamed on holy water has left ten people dead and infected 1,200 in Ethiopia, Express UK has reported.
The Ethiopian authorities have revealed water taken from rivers for religious purposes in the region is contaminated and could be behind the cholera outbreak.
The infected waters in the northern Tigray region could be carried along rivers and used by locals for washing and drinking.
Those affected are being treated at the main hospital in the regional capital, Mekelle.
However, authorities are struggling to intervene in the cleanliness of the holy water due to its religious sensitivity. They are attempting to stop religious leaders from using dirty water as holy water.
It is thought that the contaminated water is being taken from the rivers carrying the disease.
In June 2017, the risk of cholera increased across the horn of Africa as rains increased the outbreak.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) describes cholera as an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by the ingestion of food or water.
The disease is an indicator of inequality and a lack of social development.
Zimbabwe this week declared a state of emergency after a separate cholera outbreak in the capital Harare killed 24 people and left more than 2,000 people infected from contaminated drinking water.
Chitungwiza, Midlands, Manicaland, Masvingo and Mashonaland Central provinces are all reporting cases of the epidemic, although all the cases so far have been traced to Harare.
Speaking regarding the Zimbabwe cholera situation, Dr Matshidiso Moeti, the WHO’s regional director for Africa said:
“Cholera is a symbol of inequity. It’s an ancient disease, which has been eliminated in many parts of the world. Every death from cholera is preventable. We have the know-how and today countries have shown that they have the will to do whatever it takes to end cholera outbreaks by 2030.”
Health officials from across the world met in France last year where they committed to preventing 90 percent of cholera deaths by 2030.
The disease kills 100,000 people annually.
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