Child Critically Ill After Rare Brain-Eating Amoeba Infection in Sea of Galilee

A nine-year-old child is in critical condition at Rambam Medical Center in Haifa, suffering from brain inflammation after contracting a rare amoeba infection. The child has been admitted to the intensive care unit and is on a ventilator. The Ministry of Health confirmed laboratory tests identified the amoeba Naegleria fowleri as the cause. An initial epidemiological investigation suggests the child was exposed about a week prior to hospitalization while swimming at Kursi Beach on the Sea of Galilee.

Naegleria fowleri is typically found in warm freshwater and, in extremely rare cases, can cause severe central nervous system damage. Infection occurs when water containing the amoeba enters the nose, allowing the organism to travel to the brain. The ministry stressed that the amoeba is not transmitted through drinking water or from person to person.

Globally, fewer than 500 cases of this infection have been recorded, with three diagnosed in Israel in recent years, according to the Ministry of Health. The disease progresses rapidly and has a high mortality rate.

The Ministry of Health advises swimmers in warm freshwater bodies to avoid getting water in their nose, especially when diving or jumping. If symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, confusion, or unusual drowsiness appear after swimming, immediate medical attention is required.