Health Ministry Warns Against Submerging Heads in Sea of Galilee Due to Rare Brain-Eating Amoeba

Israel's Ministry of Health issued an unusual warning Sunday urging the public to take precautions while swimming in the Sea of Galilee, specifically advising against diving, jumping into the water, or submerging one's head. This advisory follows the confirmation of a fourth case of infection with the rare and deadly Naegleria fowleri amoeba since 2022.

The latest patient, a child being treated for amoebic encephalitis, was found to have swum at the Kinneret's Kursi beach about a week before being hospitalized. Previous cases in 2022 and July 2024 were linked to exposure at the Aqua Kef water park at Gey Beach, also near the Sea of Galilee.

Naegleria fowleri is a single-celled organism naturally found in warm freshwater. While infection is rare, it is extremely dangerous, rapidly causing severe brain inflammation and often proving fatal. Transmission occurs when water containing the amoeba enters the nose; it cannot be contracted by drinking water, nor is it contagious between people. The Ministry recommends minimizing water entry into the nose while swimming, suggesting the use of nose plugs and avoiding activities that force water into the nose or stir up bottom sediment in shallow areas.

Symptoms to watch for after exposure to freshwater include fever, severe headache, nausea, vomiting, and particularly neurological signs like stiff neck, confusion, unusual drowsiness, seizures, or altered consciousness. In such cases, immediate medical attention is required. The Ministry also recommended clear signage at Sea of Galilee beaches informing swimmers of the risks and necessary precautions.