Man, 26, hospitalized in serious condition after contracting encephalitis caused by rare amoeba

An Israeli man has been hospitalized and is listed in serious condition after contracting encephalitis caused by a rare amoeba, the Health Ministry announces.

The ministry’s investigation finds that the otherwise healthy 26-year-old man could have come into contact with the organism at Gai Beach in Tiberias.

The amoeba, known as Naegleria fowleri, lives in soil and warm freshwater, such as lakes, rivers, and hot springs. According to the CDC, it is commonly called the “brain-eating amoeba” because it can cause a brain infection when water containing the amoeba goes up the nose.

While infection is extremely rare, with only some 400 cases diagnosed worldwide, it is often fatal.

Symptoms often include headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, and neurological symptoms such as confusion, seizures, and hallucinations. It is a life-threatening condition requiring immediate medical attention.

The Health Ministry has sent environmental health inspectors to check the water at the beach.

A 36-year-old man died of Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis in August 2022, a brain infection caused by the same amoeba.

Times of Israel staff contributed to this report.