Boy, 9, Hospitalized with Rare Brain-Eating Amoeba After Swimming in Kinneret

A 9-year-old boy is critically ill with meningitis caused by the rare Naegleria fowleri amoeba, which he likely contracted while swimming at Korin Beach on the Kinneret. This is one of fewer than 500 known cases worldwide, with a high mortality rate. The amoeba can enter the brain through the nose when contaminated water is inhaled. Symptoms include fever, headache, nausea, neck stiffness, and mental status changes. The Ministry of Health advises minimizing water intake through the nose while swimming, avoiding dives and jumps, and using nose plugs.