Israel Issues Stricter Swimming Guidelines After Fourth 'Brain-Eating Amoeba' Case

Israel's Ministry of Health has updated its swimming recommendations for the Sea of Galilee following the diagnosis of a child infected with the rare and deadly Naegleria fowleri amoeba. The child contracted the infection after swimming at the Kinneret's Kursi beach.

While the disease is extremely rare globally, with fewer than 500 documented cases worldwide and only 167 in the US since 1962, it carries a high mortality rate. This marks the fourth case diagnosed in Israel since 2022. Two previous cases in July 2024 were linked to the "Hof Gia" water park.

The Ministry of Health is urging the public to adopt safer swimming habits. The amoeba, a single-celled organism found in warm freshwater, thrives in higher water temperatures. Infection occurs when contaminated water enters the nose under pressure, such as during diving or jumping into water, allowing the amoeba to travel to the brain and cause a severe, rapid inflammation of the brain's membranes.

New guidelines include the strong recommendation to use nose plugs, avoid diving or submerging the face, and refrain from disturbing the lakebed in shallow areas. Clear informational signage will be posted at all Sea of Galilee beaches.

Health officials emphasize that infection cannot occur from drinking water and the disease is not contagious between people. Individuals who have swum in freshwater and subsequently develop symptoms like high fever, severe headache, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, confusion, unusual drowsiness, seizures, or altered consciousness should seek immediate medical attention, informing medical staff about recent freshwater exposure for rapid diagnosis.