The Ministry of Health updated its bathing recommendations for the Kinneret on Sunday evening after confirming another case of infection with the rare Naegleria fowleri amoeba.
The case involves a 9-year-old child who is hospitalized in severe condition at Rambam Hospital. The child developed encephalitis and is sedated and on a ventilator in intensive care. Laboratory testing confirmed the infection, while an epidemiological investigation found that the child had swum at Kursi Beach on the Kinneret approximately one week before hospitalization.
The Ministry stressed that the disease is extremely rare but can be life-threatening, progresses rapidly and has a very high mortality rate. Infection occurs when contaminated water enters through the nose and reaches the brain. It cannot be contracted by drinking water and is not transmitted from person to person.
Naegleria fowleri is found mainly in warm freshwater, with the risk increasing as water temperatures rise. Despite the very low likelihood of infection, the Ministry recommends precautions when swimming in the Kinneret.
Bathers are advised to minimize water entering the nose and to use a suitable nose clip. They should also avoid diving, jumping into the water, keeping their heads underwater and activities that can force water into the nose. The Ministry further recommends avoiding digging into or disturbing the bottom in shallow areas.
The Ministry called for clear signage at Kinneret beaches warning bathers about the risk and explaining the recommended precautions. It also noted that water sampling cannot determine whether a natural water source is safe for swimming, because the amoeba can be distributed unevenly and its concentration can change over time and between locations.
Four cases have been diagnosed in Israel since 2022. The first was identified in 2022, followed by two cases in July 2024. An investigation found that both 2024 patients had been exposed to water at a water park in the Gai Beach area near the Kinneret.
The Ministry said there is no need to seek medical attention simply because of swimming in the Kinneret if no symptoms develop. However, anyone who develops fever, a severe headache, nausea or vomiting following freshwater exposure should seek urgent medical care. Particular attention should be paid to neck stiffness, confusion, unusual drowsiness, seizures or changes in consciousness. Anyone seeking treatment after such exposure should inform medical staff that they had been in freshwater.