Israeli Boy, 9, Hospitalized in Critical Condition After Brain-Eating Amoeba Infection

A nine-year-old boy is in critical condition at Rambam Medical Center after contracting a rare brain-eating amoeba, identified as Naegleria fowleri. The child is sedated and on a ventilator in the intensive care unit. Health Ministry labs confirmed the diagnosis after initial suspicions arose.

An epidemiological investigation revealed the boy had been swimming in the Kinneret (Sea of Galilee) at the Kursi beach approximately one week before his hospitalization. This type of infection is extremely rare globally, with fewer than 500 cases reported worldwide, including two in the U.S. last year. Israel has seen three previous cases in recent years.

Naegleria fowleri is a microscopic amoeba typically found in warm freshwater sources. Infection can occur when contaminated water enters the nose, allowing the amoeba to travel to the brain. The disease is not contracted by drinking water and is not contagious between people. The mortality rate for this infection is high.

The Health Ministry advises minimizing the risk of infection by avoiding getting water up the nose while swimming in warm freshwater, especially when jumping or diving. Using nose plugs or holding the nose shut is recommended. Stirring up sediment in shallow water, where the amoeba may be more concentrated, should also be avoided.

Individuals exposed to warm freshwater who develop symptoms such as fever, severe headache, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, confusion, unusual drowsiness, or altered consciousness should seek immediate medical attention and inform doctors about their water exposure. The ministry is monitoring the case and will provide further updates.