Severe Anemia by a Leech Infestation in a Pediatric Patient: A Case Report

CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of a five-year-old female patient who presented to the Rwanda Military Hospital for left ear foreign body. She had a background of hematemesis and body weakness and was found to have severe anemia. The anemia resolved after a blood transfusion and vomiting of a leech parasite.

DISCUSSION: Leeches are rare parasites that can cause life-threatening anemia. Leeches are transmitted by using unfiltered infested water through bathing or drinking or while swimming in contaminated water. Although leech infestation is a rare cause of severe anemia, it should be considered as a possible cause of hematemesis, vaginal, or gastrointestinal bleeding.