3 cases of infection in recent days. Kinneret (Photo: ShutterStock)
Following the diagnosis of three new cases of microsporidium, a severe inflammation of the cornea of the eye, the common of which was bathing in the water of the Sea of Galilee, the Ministry of Health published a guideline for bathers this evening (Wednesday) and recommends using swimming goggles if entering the water.
What is known about the parasite and how dangerous is it? Here are the answers:
What is known about the microsporidium parasite and where does it exist?
Microsporidium is a single-celled parasite that exists in water sources and sometimes in mud. The parasite itself is resistant and can exist for a long time in nature in the form of spores until it finds its way to another living creature where it changes its state to active and is therefore called a parasite.
How rare is it?
Microsporidium is not uncommon, but difficult to diagnose. In publications of articles in the literature it has been described as a cause of about 0.4% of ocular corneitis.
What is known about the number of cases of infection in Israel from this parasite?
In Israel, in 2022, about 40 cases were described that apparently originated from this infection, and all of them were discovered in the Sea of Galilee. There may have been other cases of people who were infected but not correctly diagnosed.
How do you get infected from it?
The infection is through direct contact of the eye with water infected with the parasite.
Where do you usually encounter this parasite?
This parasite is usually found in stagnant water sources, and cases of it found in mud puddles have also been described in the literature.
What are the symptoms if I am infected?
The classic symptoms are first unilateral involvement of the eyes (i.e. not involving both eyes at once), redness of the conjunctiva (the coating above the white part of the eye), tearing, foreign body sensation, and sometimes a decrease in visual acuity.
Dipping in the Sea of Galilee? Now only with binoculars (Photo: ShutterStock)
An infectious process that can endanger vision forever."
Dr. Tamir Weinberg, an ophthalmologist at Maccabi (Photo: Moran Nissim) "In most cases, the disease passes on its own. However, in very rare cases, the penetration of the disease deep into the cornea and thus an infectious process that may irreversibly endanger vision has been described."
What happens in the eyes after infection?
After infection, in most cases there is involvement of the conjunctiva and sometimes also involvement of the cornea (the transparent dome at the front of the eye). It is the involvement of these parts of the eye that causes the appearance of these symptoms.Do
I have to seek medical help?
In any case where you experience the symptoms described, an ophthalmologist should be examined, especially after eye exposure to the water of the Sea of Galilee.
Is there a treatment?
In most cases, the disease goes away on its own. If there is a suspicion of infection (symptoms along with a story of exposure to the waters of the Sea of Galilee), antibiotic eye drops are given.
What might happen if I don't seek treatment?
As already mentioned, in most cases the disease passes on its own. However, in very rare cases, penetration of the disease deep into the cornea and thus an infectious process that may irreversibly endanger vision.
How long is the instruction to enter the Sea of Galilee with binoculars supposed to change?
As long as there are reports of suspected infection, it is likely that this recommendation will remain in effect, especially when it comes to the summer vacation, when many visitors visit the shores of the Sea of Galilee.
What other types of parasites may we encounter in the various water sources in Israel?
Especially towards the end of the summer, we are witnessing warnings from the Nature and Parks Authority about rat disease, which is found in streams and originates from animal feces. This issue can be followed on the Authority's website.
Can the parasite also be found in swimming pools?
Microsporidium is not found in swimming pools, as these pools are disinfected with chlorine solutions.
How to watch out for the parasite?
Just enjoy the summer and the beaches and the Sea of Galilee. Have you decided to enter the waters of the Sea of Galilee? Use swimming goggles.
Keep up a fun summer everyone!
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