Child Dies From Rare Brain-Eating Amoeba Infection in Israel
The Israeli Ministry of Health announced Thursday the death of a child who had been hospitalized at Rambam Medical Center after contracting a rare brain infection caused by the Naegleria fowleri amoeba. The ministry expressed its sorrow over the child's passing and extended condolences to the family.
Laboratory tests confirmed the presence of the Naegleria fowleri amoeba, according to the Ministry of Health. Epidemiological investigation revealed the child had swum in the Kinneret Sea (Sea of Galilee) at the Kursi beach approximately one week before being admitted to the hospital. This information was part of the ministry's update on the case.
The ministry emphasized the extreme rarity of the disease, noting that fewer than 500 cases have been reported worldwide. In Israel, three cases have been diagnosed in recent years. These global and local statistics were provided to highlight how uncommon the infection is.
The child was hospitalized due to the amoeba-induced encephalitis, which ultimately led to his death. The Ministry of Health directed the public to its website for further information on the Naegleria fowleri amoeba.
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