Israeli health authorities confirmed three cases of cholera on Monday, the first seen in the country in years.
Two of the individuals contracted the disease in Ethiopia, while the third was infected domestically after drinking contaminated well water brought in from Ethiopia by one of the other patients. The cases were first reported on Kan Reshet Bet’s morning program HaBoker HaZeh.
Following the outbreak, Israel’s Ministry of Health updated its travel guidelines for visitors to Ethiopia. Travelers are now advised to avoid drinking tap water, consuming ice made from tap water, eating street food, including seafood, and drinking from wells.
Health officials stressed that these cases are considered rare and exceptional. In response to growing concerns about regional outbreaks, the Health Ministry has moved to replenish its emergency stockpile of cholera vaccines.
The decision follows a recommendation by the ministry’s advisory committee on infectious diseases, which highlighted the risk of epidemics in the Gaza Strip due to ongoing conflict and deteriorating sanitary conditions.
“In light of the continued fighting in the south and the potential for disease outbreaks there, it’s crucial to maintain a reserve of vaccines for immediate response,” the committee stated.
A limited batch of cholera vaccines acquired during a prior regional threat was purchased in September. That procurement aimed to ensure readiness, particularly for frontline healthcare and laboratory personnel, though not for the general public.
Cholera is a severe intestinal illness caused by bacteria found in contaminated water. It typically spreads in areas with poor sanitation infrastructure and can lead to dehydration and death if untreated. Infection usually occurs through the consumption of unsafe drinking water or food or due to inadequate hygiene practices.
Despite the recent cases, the Health Ministry emphasized that cholera bacteria have not been detected in Israeli water sources, thanks to routine monitoring, including in the Yarmouk River along the eastern border. Authorities underscored that the risk to the broader public remains extremely low.