Sea of Galilee Swim Postponed Due to Brain-Eating Amoeba

The annual Sea of Galilee Swim, Israel's largest open-water swimming event, has been postponed from September to November due to the discovery of a rare brain-eating amoeba in the lake's waters. The decision comes after a 9-year-old boy was hospitalized in serious condition with amoebic encephalitis, believed to have been contracted after swimming in the Sea of Galilee. The amoeba, Naegleria fowleri, can enter the brain through the nose and is typically found in warm freshwater. While rare, it can be fatal.

Following the boy's hospitalization, the Ministry of Health issued guidelines advising the public to avoid diving, jumping into, or submerging their heads in the water to minimize the risk of infection. The incident has caused concern among tourists and hoteliers, leading to some cancellations and postponements of holiday plans around the upcoming Rosh Hashanah holiday.

The Sea of Galilee Swim, scheduled for September 19, is now rescheduled for November 14, when water temperatures are expected to be within safe limits according to Ministry of Health guidelines. Organizers confirmed that all purchased tickets will be valid for the new date, with options for refunds available until one week prior to the event. This is the fourth documented case of the amoeba in Israel in recent years.