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Case report demonstrates rapid resolution of severe epistaxis and dysphagia following forceps removal of an oropharyngeal leech in a child, highlighting risks of untreated freshwater consumption.
Oropharyngeal leech infestation is rare. A 12‐year‐old Afghan girl developed recurrent epistaxis, dysphagia, throat irritation, and cough after drinking untreated stream water. Examination revealed an 8‐cm leech attached to the posterior pharynx. Forceps removal immediately resolved symptoms. Leech infestation should be considered following freshwater exposure in endemic rural settings worldwide.
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Wadoodi et al. (2026) studied this question.
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