Israel Health Ministry Issues Warnings on Rare Brain-Eating Amoeba and Rabies
Translated & summarized from Mignews by baba
Israel's Ministry of Health has issued warnings about a rare brain-eating amoeba infection in a child and confirmed cases of rabies in dogs in Beit Aryeh and Eli. Public health recommendations have been released for both situations, including the postponement of a swimming event and guidance for those who may have been exposed to the infected animals.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Israel's Health Ministry warns of rare amoeba and rabies cases.
- A 9-year-old boy is critically ill with brain-eating amoeba.
- A mass swim event in the Sea of Galilee was postponed due to the amoeba case.
- Two rabid dogs were found in Beit Aryeh and Eli.
- Health officials urge public to seek treatment if exposed to animals.
Israel's Ministry of Health has issued new public health warnings following two separate epidemiological events. A 9-year-old boy has been hospitalized in severe condition with a rare and deadly brain infection caused by the Naegleria fowleri amoeba, leading to the postponement of a mass swim event in the Sea of Galilee. The boy was infected after swimming at the Kursi beach on the Sea of Galilee approximately a week before his hospitalization. Naegleria fowleri thrives in warm freshwater and can cause primary amebic meningoencephalitis, a severe central nervous system infection, when contaminated water enters the nose. The ministry advises swimmers in warm freshwater to avoid getting water in their noses and to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms like high fever, severe headache, nausea, or vomiting after swimming.
Concurrently, the ministry reported the discovery of two rabid dogs, one in Beit Aryeh and another in Eli. In Beit Aryeh, a stray dog tested positive for rabies, prompting nine individuals who had contact with the animal to begin preventative treatment. In Eli, a Canaan dog was found to be rabid, leading to two contacts being sent for preventative treatment. The ministry is urging anyone who may have had contact with these animals, or whose pets might have interacted with them or other stray animals in the affected areas, to contact their local health bureau for assessment and potential preventative treatment. Specific contact information and deadlines for reporting potential exposures in Beit Aryeh and Eli have been provided. Pet owners are also advised to check their animals' vaccination status and to immediately wash and disinfect any bites or scratches from animals before seeking medical advice.
Mentioned
