Kinneret Beaches Remain Open Despite Rare Amoeba Cases

All beaches along the Sea of Galilee (Kinneret) remain open for swimming, despite the confirmation of a fourth case of infection with the rare Naegleria fowleri amoeba in Israel since 2022. The Kinneret Authority has stated there is no directive to close the beaches and is preparing for thousands of visitors during the upcoming High Holidays.

While swimming is permitted, the Ministry of Health is advising the public to take precautions to minimize water entering the nose, recommending the use of nose plugs and avoiding diving or jumping into the water. The ministry emphasizes that infection occurs when the amoeba enters the nose, not through drinking water, and the disease is not contagious between people.

This latest case involves a child who swam at Khorsi Beach on the Kinneret about a week before hospitalization. The ministry noted that pinpoint testing cannot guarantee the complete safety of natural water bodies, as the amoeba's concentration can vary. The ministry also recommended clear signage at Kinneret beaches detailing the risks and precautions.

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 near the Kinneret. The ministry stressed that individuals should seek immediate medical attention if they develop symptoms such as fever, severe headache, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, confusion, or seizures after exposure to freshwater, but no testing is needed solely after swimming without symptoms.