811-2023 (BANGKOK) A Thai hiker had a chilling experience when he discovered a leech attached to his lower eyelid, sucking near his tear duct. The shocking incident was shared by fellow trekker and content creator Apichart Promtus on his Facebook page Der Baag on November 6, along with a warning to others about the presence of leeches while hiking.
Apichart described the encounter as a rare occurrence, happening perhaps only once in 10,000 or even 100,000 times. He emphasized the frightening nature of the incident and urged caution.
According to a report by The Thaiger, the leech had initially climbed onto his friend’s camera when it was briefly placed on the ground while searching for a photo spot. Unaware of the leech’s presence on the viewfinder, the hiker picked up the camera and positioned the viewfinder to his eye to capture an image of some trees. It was at that moment that the leech slithered into his eye and began sucking blood from the skin near his tear duct.
Apichart’s friend screamed in pain and shock from the unexpected intrusion. It took them over 30 minutes to successfully remove the slippery leech. The hiker’s eye also turned red and bruised as a result of the incident.
Unaware of the appropriate course of action, Apichart and his friend used their fingers to remove the leech. However, they later consulted friends and professionals who advised carrying salt or saltwater while trekking. It is believed that applying a little salt or saltwater to the eye can make it easier to get rid of the leech, as reported by Thai newspaper Khaosod.
The exact location of the trek is unknown, but most species of leeches are found in freshwater environments such as swamps, rivers, and ponds. Some species can also inhabit marine and terrestrial habitats like the Khao Sok rainforest, according to the Khao Sok National Park.
While leech bites are not dangerous, as stated by the park, some species feed on the blood of other animals. If bitten by a leech, it is recommended to clean the area thoroughly using hydrogen peroxide or fresh, clean water. Applying tiny bits of paper to the bite can help absorb blood and stop the bleeding, according to a FAQ by travel guide Visit Khao Sok.
It is common for leech bites to start itching around the third day and continue itching for several days afterward.
