Two Bathers in Sea of Galilee Diagnosed with Dangerous Eye Parasite

The Israeli Ministry of Health reported that two individuals who bathed in the Sea of Galilee (Kinneret) at the end of June and beginning of July were diagnosed with an eye infection caused by a parasite called microsporidium. This parasite can lead to keratitis, an inflammation of the cornea, which in some cases may impair vision. Despite these cases, the Ministry emphasized that drinking or swimming in the Sea of Galilee poses no general health risk and there is no recommendation to avoid bathing in the lake.

The Ministry urged anyone who has bathed in the Sea of Galilee and subsequently developed symptoms such as eye redness, pain, or a sensation of a foreign body in the eye to promptly seek ophthalmological evaluation. Symptoms may appear between one and three weeks after exposure to the water. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial to prevent complications and potential vision damage.

Health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and stress the importance of awareness among bathers to ensure timely medical care if symptoms arise.