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

A 10-year-old girl named Shir required surgery after being bitten by a moray eel while vacationing with her family at Coral Beach in Eilat. The incident occurred when the girl, who was barefoot, stepped on a rock and entered the shallow waters, encountering the eel.

The bite caused deep lacerations and a complete tear in a toe tendon, rendering her unable to move her toe. She was taken to Yoseftal Medical Center, where doctors suspected damage to the extensor tendon. Dr. Sergey Boykov, head of the orthopedic department at Yoseftal, performed surgery under general anesthesia to repair the torn tendon, aiming to prevent future functional impairment.

Following the successful surgery, the girl's leg was placed in a cast, and she was discharged home to recover. Doctors anticipate a full recovery. Moray eels are elongated fish with strong jaws and sharp teeth, typically hiding among rocks and reefs. While not usually aggressive towards humans, they may bite if approached or if their habitat is entered.

Medical professionals are warning the public to avoid approaching marine animals and to wear water shoes when entering the sea, especially in reef areas. The girl's mother stated the family learned a lesson, emphasizing the importance of wearing water shoes even for brief moments in reef zones. The incident highlights that significant injuries can occur even in shallow waters, and any marine animal bite, particularly with deep cuts or restricted movement, warrants medical attention.