Rapid Genomic Response to England’s First Domestically Acquired Cholera Case in Over a Century

Description of impact

In early 2025, UKHSA identified England’s first domestically acquired case of
cholera since 1893 (Figure 1). The case, involving a highly drug-resistant Vibrio
cholerae O1 strain, was linked to the consumption of holy water imported from
Ethiopia. Relatives of the patient had travelled on pilgrimage and returned with
the water, highlighting that risks from contaminated religious products extend not
only to pilgrims themselves, but also to household contacts in the UK. Through
rapid genomic sequencing, epidemiological investigation, and international
collaboration, UKHSA was able to rapidly confirm the source, rule out wider
domestic transmission, and provide evidence of contamination risk to global
partners. The response demonstrates how genomics, international partnerships,
and strong multidisciplinary collaboration underpin modern health protection.

Impact date	31 Jul 2025
Category of impact	Health impacts, Economic impacts, Social impacts