A major water park in northern Israel has been temporarily shut down after a deadly amoeba infection left a 10-year-old boy fighting for his life. The incident has triggered health warnings and prompted over 70 people to seek medical evaluation.
The Health Ministry announced Thursday that the 10-year-old likely contracted the deadly pathogen at Gai Beach Water Park on the Sea of Galilee, also known as the Kinneret. His condition remains life-threatening. Northern medical centers reported that "more than 70 individuals who visited Gai Beach, both symptomatic and asymptomatic, have sought medical attention at northern hospitals. All those examined were found to be healthy and without symptoms, and were subsequently discharged."
According to Ziv Medical Center, "The 10-year-old boy's condition remains critical. He is currently sedated and on ventilator support. The pediatric team at Ziv Medical Center swiftly identified the potential threat, even before laboratory confirmation was available. A decision was made to initiate broad-spectrum antibiotic treatment immediately. We are hopeful that this rapid response, including the prompt administration of treatment, will prove life-saving for the child, whose condition, as mentioned, remains critical."
According to Dr. Hilel Frankenthal, pediatric critical care physician at Ziv Medical Center, "This previously healthy child arrived at Ziv Medical Center's emergency department after experiencing four days of illness. Upon initial assessment of the child, who was brought in by his parents, suspicions were raised regarding infection with the rare amoeba. The medical team immediately began preparations to administer appropriate treatment, even before receiving definitive test results. The treatment regimen included medications not typically stocked in hospitals, which were rapidly sourced and delivered to Ziv."
The primary concern lies in the disease's high mortality rate. "Globally, only a few hundred cases have been reported and diagnosed, with very few survivors. The team's quick identification of the condition has provided crucial time, and we are all hoping this will be instrumental in saving the child's life," Dr. Hanna Farah, pediatrician and infectious disease specialist at Ziv Medical Center, said.
The Health Ministry called on anyone who visited the Gai Beach Water Park park in recent weeks and is experiencing one or more of the following symptoms – fever, headache, blurred vision, or vomiting – should seek immediate medical attention. Those not exhibiting any symptoms are not required to undergo examination, even if they visited the park.
Earlier this month, a 26-year-old Israeli man died after contracting the amoeba. From the moment of hospitalization, medical teams employed all available resources, including drug therapies and surgical interventions, in an attempt to save the patient's life. Despite these efforts, his condition continued to deteriorate, ultimately resulting in his death. The mortality rate for this amoeba infection is approaching 100%.
