Boy Dies From Rare Brain-Eating Amoeba After Swimming in Sea of Galilee
A 9-year-old boy from Pardes Hanna, Baruch Neria, has died from a rare brain-eating amoeba infection after swimming in the Sea of Galilee. He was hospitalized in critical condition earlier this month at Rambam Medical Center and passed away on Tuesday. Doctors diagnosed him with primary amoebic meningoencephalitis, caused by the Naegleria fowleri amoeba, approximately one month after he swam at the Kinneret's Kursi beach.
Epidemiological and laboratory tests confirmed the suspected cause of infection. This amoeba is extremely rare globally, with fewer than 500 cases recorded in history. In Israel, only three cases have been diagnosed in recent years. The disease is almost always fatal due to severe damage to the central nervous system.
The Ministry of Health explained that infection occurs when contaminated freshwater enters the nose, allowing the amoeba to travel directly to the brain. It is not transmitted from person to person, and drinking contaminated water does not pose a risk.
Following the tragic case and water quality tests, the Ministry of Health issued a bathing warning for Shakmim beach on the Sea of Galilee due to microbial anomalies. The Ministry expressed deep condolences to the family and reminded the public to swim only at designated and approved beaches.
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