Young Man Hospitalized with Severe Eye Infection After Swimming in Sea of Galilee

A 20-year-old man was recently hospitalized in central Israel with a severe eye infection, identified as microsporidium keratitis, after swimming in the Sea of Galilee during the summer. His mother recounted that her son experienced intense pain and blurred vision for weeks following the incident, requiring extensive treatment including the removal of corneal epithelium twice and frequent application of eye drops, even overnight. He remains under ongoing care with his long-term prognosis uncertain.

The family visited Ein Gev on July 24 and the young man swam at Kursi beach on July 31. Approximately two weeks after his visit to Kursi, symptoms began to appear. By August 17, he was admitted to a hospital's ophthalmology department, where doctors suspected microsporidium based on clinical examination. A PCR test later confirmed the diagnosis.

The mother recalled reading about microsporidium in the Sea of Galilee prior to her son's illness and initially being dismissed by her husband and son for her concerns. However, hospital tests confirmed the diagnosis. The Ministry of Health had previously reported two cases of corneal damage attributed to the microsporidium parasite found in the Sea of Galilee, warning of potential vision impairment but stating there was no risk in drinking the water or swimming in the lake. The ministry had also issued and then rescinded a swimming advisory due to unusual microbial results.

While hospitalized, a potential infection from Acanthamoeba, a common single-celled amoeba, was also investigated, though a PCR test for it was negative. Doctors opted for precautionary treatment for this as well. The young man underwent a painful treatment process, described by his mother as a "nightmare," and was discharged but continues to require follow-up care, struggling with eye pain and blurred vision.

The mother expressed frustration over the lack of public awareness regarding the risks associated with swimming in the Sea of Galilee and the potential symptoms of such infections. She advocated for clearer signage at beaches detailing the risks and recommended precautions. The family has decided to avoid the Sea of Galilee for the time being due to the suffering her son endured. They are awaiting further tests to determine the extent of the permanent damage to his vision. The mother shared their story to raise awareness, urging others who experience eye symptoms after swimming in the lake not to delay seeking medical attention.

This case follows a report from the previous day about a 9-year-old boy hospitalized in serious condition with encephalitis, suspected to be from Naegleria fowleri, an amoeba found in freshwater, after swimming at Kursi beach. The Ministry of Health subsequently issued recommendations for swimming in the Sea of Galilee, including minimizing water entry into the nose, avoiding diving and submerging the head, and refraining from disturbing the water's bottom. They also recommended clear signage at beaches.