Girl, 10, Undergoes Emergency Surgery After Moray Eel Bite in Eilat

A 10-year-old girl, Shir, was rushed to Yoseftal Medical Center in Eilat for emergency surgery after being bitten by a moray eel while wading barefoot in shallow waters off Coral Beach. The eel, identified as a "nibyan" (moray eel), inflicted deep cuts on her foot and damaged the extensor tendon of her toe.

Doctors at Yoseftal provided initial treatment, including cleaning the wound and administering antibiotics to prevent infection. Further examination revealed Shir was unable to move her toe, necessitating general anesthesia and surgery. Dr. Sergei Boykov, head of orthopedics at Yoseftal, stated that the surgery involved repairing a complete tear in the extensor tendon to prevent future functional impairment, expressing optimism for a full recovery given children's healing capabilities.

Following the operation, Shir's leg was placed in a cast, and she was discharged to recover at home. Hospital officials noted that moray eels typically do not attack humans, but encounters can be more dangerous near rocks and during evening hours.

Dr. Nasif Assala, head of pediatrics at Yoseftal, advised swimmers to avoid approaching marine animals and to wear water shoes when entering the sea, especially in rocky areas or at dusk. Shir's mother echoed this advice, emphasizing the importance of wearing water shoes in reef areas, even for brief periods.