HEALTH ALERT

Kinneret beach closed after water tests

Ministry issues swimming alert at Chof HaShikmim following microbiological findings, reminds public that swimming is permitted only at designated beaches

Gila Isaacson

SEP 24, 2026 16:18

1 min read

The Health Ministry issued a swimming alert Thursday at Chof HaShikmim on the Kinneret, following abnormal microbiological results in water quality tests conducted at the beach.

According to the ministry's announcement, the irregular findings in the water samples led to the public warning against swimming at the site.

The Health Ministry reiterated its general guidance on choosing swimming locations: swimming is permitted only at designated beaches that have been officially declared open to the public.

Earlier Thursday, the Health Ministry confirmed the death of a child who had been hospitalized at Rambam Medical Center after contracting encephalitis caused by a rare amoeba known as Naegleria fowleri. The ministry expressed sorrow over the child's death and extended condolences to the family.

Laboratory testing conducted at ministry facilities confirmed the presence of Naegleria fowleri amoeba. The laboratory confirmation was included in the ministry's published details about the child's illness, along with findings from the epidemiological investigation carried out in the case.

The investigation revealed that the child had swum at Chof Kursi on the Kinneret approximately one week before hospitalization.

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