Live Leech Found Inside Patient's Nose After Nine-Day Ordeal

In a public awareness social media post, ENT surgery consultant Dr Deena Shabib., who serves as Government Hospitals ENT chairperson, said a careful examination of the patient revealed a live leech inside the nasal cavity, which was then safely removed.

She explained that the case falls under internal hirudiniasis, a rare condition that occurs when a leech enters the body, often by drinking unfiltered natural water or swimming in it. The leech attaches itself to the mucous membrane inside the nose, causing continuous bleeding and obstructing the airway until removal.

Dr. Shabib said the accurate diagnosis helped identify the cause of the symptoms and allowed the leech to be safely extracted. She stressed the importance of seeing a doctor when nosebleeds or nasal obstruction persist without a clear cause.

She urged the public to ensure the safety of water sources, particularly during trips and outdoor activities in natural areas, to avoid exposure to such rare cases, adding that prevention remains the most important way to safeguard one's health.