Leptospirosis outbreak in Golan might lead to mineral water shortage

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that can cause kidney damage, breathing issues and other ailments, and can potentially be fatal.

AUGUST 16, 2018 13:39

Updated: AUGUST 17, 2018 00:32

Zaki water hike 465 5 (photo credit: Yoni Cohen) — Zaki water hike 465 5

(photo credit: Yoni Cohen)

After production at Israeli mineral water company Mey Eden was brought to a halt twice due to irregularities this week, the company confirmed on Thursday that a third irregularity was found.

Testing samples found a higher level of bacteria than permitted by the Health Ministry, which led the company to stop drawing water from the contaminated Salukia spring.

This comes after four rivers in the Golan Heights were closed to swimmers indefinitely on Tuesday by the Israel Nature and Parks Authority because of a bacterial infection, which caused dozens of people to become ill and has raised suspicions of an outbreak of the dangerous disease leptospirosis.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that can cause kidney damage, breathing issues and other ailments, and can potentially be fatal.

While bottling water from the contaminated spring was stopped, Mey Eden stressed that it was “business as usual” regarding water bottled from its spring in Katzrin.

“The water in its plant has been tested and found to be safe,” the company said.

With high demand for mineral water in August, a shortage is expected in Israel’s stores in the coming days.

Shany Moses/TNS contributed to this report.