Israel Issues Swimming Warnings After Deadly Brain-Eating Amoeba Case

Israel's Ministry of Health has updated swimming guidelines for the Sea of Galilee (Kinneret) following the confirmation of a new case of infection with the rare and potentially fatal brain-eating amoeba, Naegleria fowleri. The ministry is urging the public to take precautions to minimize the risk of infection from the microorganism, which enters the body through the nose and can, in rare instances, reach the brain. Infection is not transmitted through drinking water or person-to-person contact.

Naegleria fowleri thrives in warm freshwater, and the risk of infection can increase with rising water temperatures. The Ministry of Health advises swimmers at the Kinneret to prevent water from entering their noses by using nose clips, avoiding diving and jumping, not submerging their heads, and refraining from creating water pressure on the nose. Disturbing the bottom in shallow areas is also discouraged.

While the probability of infection remains low, the disease progresses rapidly and can be fatal, making adherence to safety measures crucial. These recommendations align with international prevention strategies for Naegleria fowleri. The ministry also plans to install clear informational signs at Kinneret beaches to alert visitors to the potential risks and necessary safety precautions.

This marks the fourth reported case of Naegleria fowleri infection in Israel since 2022. The first case was identified in 2022, followed by two more in July 2024, both linked to the "Hof Gai" water park near the Sea of Galilee. The most recent case involves a child who swam at the Kursi beach on the Sea of Galilee about a week before being hospitalized. The article notes that previous infections have resulted in fatalities in the country.