Health Ministry Issues Urgent Warnings After Deadly Amoeba Found in Sea of Galilee

Israel's Ministry of Health has issued urgent guidelines to the public following the confirmation of another case of infection with Naegleria fowleri, a rare but deadly brain-eating amoeba, in the Sea of Galilee (Kinneret). The ministry is advising swimmers to take precautions and minimize exposure risks.

Naegleria fowleri is a single-celled amoeba naturally found in warm freshwater sources. In extremely rare instances, it can cause a rapid and severe infection of the brain and its membranes, known as primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). While the disease is uncommon, its mortality rate is very high. Infection occurs when contaminated water enters the nose, allowing the amoeba to travel to the brain. The ministry stressed that the amoeba cannot be contracted by drinking the water, nor is it transmitted from person to person.

Recommended precautions for swimming in the Sea of Galilee include using nose plugs, avoiding diving and submerging the head, and refraining from activities that could force water into the nose. Disturbing the waterbed, especially in shallow areas, should also be avoided. The ministry also called for clear signage at beaches explaining the risks and precautions.

Since 2022, four cases of infection have been diagnosed in Israel. The first was in 2022, followed by two cases in July 2024 linked to exposure at the Aqua Kef water park near the Sea of Galilee. The latest case involves a child who swam at the Kinneret's Kursi beach about a week before hospitalization. The ministry explained that unlike other water contaminants, a single water sample cannot determine the safety of a natural water body due to the amoeba's uneven distribution. Risk assessment relies on epidemiological and environmental data.

Globally, fewer than 500 cases have been reported. In the United States, 167 cases were recorded between 1962 and 2024. Despite the low risk of infection, the ministry emphasizes the importance of precautions due to the disease's severity and rapid progression. The recommendations align with international guidelines.

Individuals who have swum in the Sea of Galilee are not required to seek medical attention unless symptoms appear. However, anyone experiencing fever, severe headache, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, confusion, unusual drowsiness, seizures, or altered consciousness after exposure to freshwater should seek immediate medical care, informing healthcare providers about the water exposure.