Israeli Health Ministry Warns of Eye Infection Risk from Parasite in Sea of Galilee

The Israeli Ministry of Health issued a warning on Friday about a parasite called Microsporidium found in the waters of the Sea of Galilee (Kinneret), which can cause eye infections and potentially impair vision. This alert follows the diagnosis of two recent cases of corneal damage attributed to the parasite. Both patients had bathed in the lake in late June and early July, though no further details about their medical condition, exact bathing locations, or treatments were provided.

Despite the warning, the Ministry emphasized that swimming in the Sea of Galilee remains safe and that there is no risk from drinking the lake water. The public was urged to monitor for unusual eye symptoms such as conjunctivitis, redness, pain, or a sensation of a foreign body in the eye after swimming. Anyone experiencing these symptoms is advised to seek prompt medical evaluation and treatment.

The Ministry also noted that symptoms may not appear immediately but can develop between one to three weeks after exposure. Therefore, individuals who visited the lake weeks ago and now have eye symptoms should inform their doctors about their recent swimming activity. Currently, no new restrictions on swimming or visiting the Sea of Galilee have been issued, with the primary guidance focusing on symptom awareness and timely medical consultation.