Israeli Boy Critically Ill From Rare 'Brain-Eating' Amoeba Infection

A nine-year-old boy from Pardes Hanna, identified as Baruch Neria, is in critical condition at Rambam Hospital in Haifa after contracting a rare infection from the amoeba Naegleria fowleri, commonly known as the 'brain-eating amoeba.' The child is currently sedated and on a ventilator in the pediatric intensive care unit. Health Ministry tests have confirmed encephalitis linked to the amoeba following the onset of severe neurological symptoms.

An epidemiological investigation traced the infection to the boy's swimming at Kursi beach on the Sea of Galilee about a week before his hospitalization. Doctors at Rambam, where he was transferred from another facility, suspected amoeba contamination due to his clinical state, lab results, and his recent swim in the Sea of Galilee. Naegleria fowleri is a microscopic amoeba found in warm freshwater; infection occurs when contaminated water enters the nose, allowing the parasite to reach the brain. The disease is not transmitted through swallowing water or person-to-person contact.

While extremely rare, the infection has a very high mortality rate. Israel has seen three other cases in recent years, two of which were fatal. The Health Ministry advises avoiding getting water in the nose when swimming in warm freshwater, especially during dives or full head immersion, and suggests using nose clips to reduce risk. Stirring up sediment in shallow areas should also be avoided. Prompt medical attention is urged if symptoms like high fever, severe headache, nausea, or vomiting appear after swimming in such waters. Immediate medical care is necessary for symptoms such as neck stiffness, confusion, unusual drowsiness, or altered consciousness.