Health Officials Warn of Rare Eye Infection Linked to Swimming in Sea of Galilee

The Israeli Ministry of Health reported two recent cases of microsporidial keratitis, a rare eye infection caused by the Microsporidium parasite, in individuals who swam in the Sea of Galilee (Kinneret) in late June and early July. Dr. Yomna Basoul Abu Aita, a senior ophthalmologist specializing in corneal diseases and surgeries at Poriya Medical Center, explained that Microsporidia are tiny intracellular parasites, now classified closer to fungi, which produce resilient spores capable of surviving in water and infecting humans and animals.

When these spores contact the cornea, they can penetrate the epithelial cells and multiply, causing inflammation known as microsporidial keratitis. Symptoms typically appear within days to two weeks after exposure and include eye redness, pain or foreign body sensation, tearing, light sensitivity, blurred vision, and sometimes mild discharge. Eye examinations reveal characteristic lesions on the corneal epithelium.

Treatment depends on disease severity and may involve antibiotic eye drops initially, followed by steroid drops, antifungal therapy, or supportive care as needed, with close monitoring by a corneal specialist. Early diagnosis improves outcomes by shortening disease duration and reducing the risk of corneal scarring and vision impairment. Although the infection is rare and most swimmers do not develop it, prompt medical attention is advised if symptoms arise after swimming.

There is no official recommendation to avoid swimming in the Sea of Galilee due to this parasite. However, preventive measures include avoiding opening eyes underwater, wearing swimming goggles during prolonged swims, not entering the water with open eye wounds or active eye disease, and removing contact lenses before swimming in natural waters. Awareness of symptoms and timely ophthalmologic evaluation remain crucial for effective management.