Abstract

Epistaxis is one of the most common ear, nose and throat (ENT) emergencies to present to general practitioners. The leeche is an aquatic worm living in fresh water, especially in tropical areas. It may be found exceptionally in the upper aerodigestive tract (UADT) after consumption of spring water or water from natural wells, after swimming in still waters (lakes and dams), and caused epistaxis, hemoptesis, or laryngeal dyspnea, according to its localisation. We reported a case of 12 year old children presented to the emergency for 2 weeks epixtasis, due to swimming in still waters. The delay between infestation and onset of symptoms ranged from 15 days. Leeches were found in the oropharynx. The parasites were removed. The diagnosis should be made rapidly to prevent complications. Whatever the localization, removing the parasite is difficult. Evolution after treatment is rapidly favorable, with complete disappearance of symptoms.