Rare Brain-Eating Amoeba Infects Israeli Child After Swimming in Sea of Galilee

A 9-year-old boy has been hospitalized in serious condition with amoebic encephalitis, a rare and often fatal brain infection, after swimming in the Sea of Galilee. The child is currently sedated and on a respirator in intensive care at Rambam Medical Center. Health Ministry laboratory tests confirmed the presence of the Naegleria fowleri amoeba, which is believed to be the cause of the infection.

Initial epidemiological investigations indicate the boy swam at the Kinneret's Kursi beach approximately one week before his hospitalization. Naegleria fowleri is a microscopic amoeba typically found in warm freshwater sources. Infection occurs when contaminated water enters the nose, allowing the amoeba to travel to the brain. The disease is not transmitted through drinking water or person-to-person contact.

Globally, fewer than 500 cases of this infection have been reported, with two cases in the US last year. Israel has seen three previous cases in recent years. The amoeba can cause severe central nervous system infections, and the mortality rate is high.

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

Individuals experiencing fever, severe headache, nausea, or vomiting after exposure to warm freshwater should seek immediate medical attention, particularly if symptoms progress to include stiff neck, confusion, unusual drowsiness, or altered consciousness. The Ministry of Health is monitoring the situation and will provide further updates.