Health Warning Issued Over Eye Infection Risk in Sea of Galilee Waters

The Israeli Ministry of Health has issued a warning following the diagnosis of two recent cases of corneal infection linked to the parasite Microsporidium found in the Sea of Galilee (Kinneret) waters. These infections, identified in late June and early July, can cause eye inflammation and potentially impair vision. Authorities emphasize that while swimming in the lake remains safe and drinking its water poses no risk, swimmers should be vigilant for symptoms such as eye redness, pain, inflammation, or a sensation of a foreign body in the eye, which typically appear one to three weeks after exposure.

The warning comes amid the summer season when thousands of families, particularly from the Haredi community, frequent the lake's beaches during the Bein Hazmanim vacation period. Recent weeks have seen several rescue operations for swimmers caught in the lake's currents. The Ministry advises maintaining eye hygiene by avoiding rubbing eyes during or immediately after swimming. Anyone experiencing symptoms should promptly consult an ophthalmologist and inform them about recent swimming in the Sea of Galilee to ensure early diagnosis and treatment, preventing long-term vision damage.

This alert highlights the importance of awareness and precaution for recreational water users in the region, especially during peak swimming months.