Israel Keeps Sea of Galilee Beaches Open Despite Brain-Eating Amoeba

Israeli health authorities have decided to keep the beaches of the Sea of Galilee open, despite the presence of Naegleria fowleri, a rare and potentially fatal amoeba known as the "brain-eating amoeba." Professor Sigal Sadetzki, head of the public health division, stated that the parasite is present in extremely low concentrations, making detection difficult. This decision comes after a 9-year-old boy, Baruch Neria, was hospitalized in serious condition with amoeba-induced encephalitis following a swim at Kursi beach.

The child is currently sedated and on respiratory support at Rambam Hospital in Haifa. The Ministry of Health emphasized that there is no practical way to treat the entire lake, unlike a chlorinated swimming pool. Spot testing is also deemed insufficient to guarantee a beach is parasite-free. Instead of a ban, health officials have issued recommendations, advising swimmers to avoid getting water in their noses, refrain from diving or jumping, and keep their heads out of the water as much as possible. The use of nose clips is also suggested.

Infection occurs when contaminated water enters the nose; it is not transmitted through ingestion or person-to-person contact. The disease is exceedingly rare, with fewer than 500 cases reported globally. The amoeba thrives in warm, fresh water and can cause severe brain inflammation. As a precautionary measure, the annual Sea of Galilee crossing, originally scheduled for September 19, has been postponed to November 14 following consultation with health authorities.