Israeli Boy, 9, Dies From Rare Brain-Eating Amoeba Infection

A 9-year-year-old Israeli boy, Baruch Neria, has died from an infection caused by Naegleria fowleri, a rare amoeba commonly known as the "brain-eating amoeba," the Israeli Ministry of Health announced on Thursday. The child had been hospitalized at Rambam Medical Center after developing brain inflammation.

An epidemiological investigation by health authorities determined that the boy had been swimming at Kursi beach on the Sea of Galilee approximately one week before his hospitalization. The ministry emphasized the extreme rarity of this infection, noting that fewer than 500 cases have been recorded globally and only three in Israel in recent years.

Naegleria fowleri is a microscopic amoeba typically found in warm, fresh water. Infection occurs when contaminated water enters the nose, allowing the amoeba to travel to the brain and cause severe central nervous system inflammation. The ministry clarified that the infection cannot be contracted by drinking water and is not transmitted from person to person.

Health officials are advising the public to avoid letting warm, fresh water enter the nose, particularly during activities like diving, jumping, or submerging the head. They also recommend refraining from disturbing sediment in shallow water areas.