Nine Year Old Boy Hospitalized in Serious Condition After Sea of Galilee Swim

A nine year old boy is in serious condition in the intensive care unit at Rambam Medical Center after contracting a rare infection caused by Naegleria fowleri, commonly known as the brain eating amoeba. The Health Ministry confirmed the diagnosis on Saturday night after the boy was hospitalized with brain swelling and subsequently sedated and ventilated. A preliminary epidemiological investigation found that the boy had been swimming at Kursi Beach in the Sea of Galilee approximately one week before his hospitalization.

The microscopic amoeba is found in warm freshwater and causes a central nervous system infection if contaminated water enters through the nose. The Health Ministry noted that the infection is extremely rare, with fewer than 500 cases documented worldwide and three cases recorded in Israel in recent years. While the disease has a high mortality rate, officials emphasized that it cannot be contracted by drinking the water or through person to person contact.

To reduce risk in warm freshwater, the ministry recommends avoiding getting water in the nose, especially when diving or jumping. Suggested precautions include using nose plugs or holding the nose closed and avoiding stirring up sediment in shallow water. The public is urged to seek immediate medical attention if they experience fever, severe headache, nausea, vomiting, neck stiffness, or confusion after water exposure.