Israel's Health Ministry Advises Caution in Sea of Galilee After Amoeba Case

Following the confirmation of another case of the Naegleria fowleri amoeba, Israel's Ministry of Health has updated its recommendations for swimming in the Sea of Galilee. The ministry emphasized that while the infection is extremely rare, it is severe and life-threatening. Infection occurs when water containing the amoeba enters the nose, from where it can travel to the brain. The amoeba is primarily found in warm freshwater sources, and the risk may increase with rising water temperatures. The ministry advises swimmers to minimize water entry into the nose, use nose plugs, avoid diving and jumping into the water, and refrain from activities that force water into the nose. They also recommend avoiding disturbing the water's bottom in shallow areas. These precautions align with global recommendations for reducing the risk of infection. The ministry also suggested clear signage at Sea of Galilee beaches informing swimmers of the risks and recommended safety measures.

Naegleria fowleri is a single-celled amoeba naturally present in freshwater. In extremely rare instances, it can cause Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM), a rapid and severe inflammation of the brain and its membranes. The ministry clarified that testing water for this amoeba is not feasible for determining safety, as its presence can be uneven and fluctuate. Since 2022, four cases of Naegleria fowleri have been diagnosed in Israel. Two cases in July 2024 were linked to exposure at the Aqua Kef water park at Haon Beach near the Sea of Galilee. The most recent case involved a child who had swum at Kinneret Beach about a week before hospitalization. Globally, fewer than 500 cases have been reported in scientific literature, with the United States documenting 167 cases between 1962 and 2024. The ministry stressed that medical attention should be sought immediately if symptoms like fever, severe headache, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, confusion, unusual drowsiness, seizures, or altered consciousness appear after swimming in freshwater, and that healthcare providers should be informed of the water exposure.