Following a rare encephalitis: a 36-year-old man from the north passed away

The Ministry of Health has informed that the resident of the north, with no underlying diseases, died of a rare disease caused by an amoeba found in fresh water, puddles, or stagnant water sources.

The disease has a high mortality rate, but so far only 400 cases have been reported worldwide

Merav Cohen

05/08/2022

Friday, August 5, 2022, 10:01 a.m. Updated: 10:10 a.m.

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A hospital bed (Photo: ShutterStock)

The Ministry of Health updated this morning (Friday) that the 36-year-old resident of the north, with no underlying illnesses, recently passed away following a brain infection caused by a rare amoeba called Naegleria Fowleri.

This is a rare case, which was diagnosed thanks to the vigilance of an infectious disease doctor who suspected the diagnosis and involved the district health bureau and the central laboratory of the Ministry of Health.

In view of the rarity of the case, it was necessary to send the clinical sample to the Center for Disease Control in the United States.

The disease is rare and its mortality rate is high.

So far, only 400 cases of infection have been reported worldwide.

The amoeba is found in fresh water, puddles, or stagnant water sources of various types.

The investigation into possible exposure is ongoing.

The Ministry of Health is working with the Ministry of Environmental Protection and the Ministry of Agriculture and will update the public on the findings.

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