Leeches, also known as bloodsuckers, are abundant in jungles. Although they do not transmit diseases or cause immediate fatality, they suck large amounts of blood, weakening the victim’s strength, and their bites often continue bleeding, which can easily lead to infection. There are many types of leeches: land leeches that live in damp, low-lying grassy areas of forests; water leeches found in swamps and ponds; and parasitic leeches (whose larvae are white and hard to spot with the naked eye) that inhabit mountain streams and springs. Leeches can consume a large volume of blood—up to 2 to 10 times their own body weight. Moreover, because their saliva has anesthetic and anticoagulant properties, people often don’t feel them while they’re feeding. By the time the leech detaches after feeding, the wound may still bleed continuously, potentially leading to infection, inflammation, and ulceration.

       Methods to Prevent Leech Bites

• When walking through tropical jungles, wear long pants and tuck your socks over the cuffs to prevent leeches from attaching to your body. While moving, frequently check for leeches crawling onto your feet. Applying soap or mosquito repellent to the tops of your shoes can help keep leeches from climbing up. This effect lasts approximately 4–8 hours. Additionally, leeches and snakes dislike the smell of fresh garlic; applying garlic juice to your shoes, socks, and pant cuffs can also help repel leeches.

• Choose dry campsite locations with little grass, and avoid setting up near lakes, rivers, or streams.

• Frequently check your body for leech bites during rest breaks, and remove any leeches promptly if found.

• When crossing rivers or streams where leeches are present, tightly fasten your pant legs, and inspect yourself for leeches after getting out of the water.

• Drink only boiled water and avoid water sources that may contain parasitic leeches. Tiny leech larvae are hard to detect; once ingested, they can parasitize the respiratory tract, esophagus, or other internal organs.
How to Treat Leech Bites

• Do not forcefully pull off a leech when it bites, as this can cause its mouthparts to break off under the skin and lead to infection. Instead, gently slap the area around the bite to dislodge it.

• You can apply soapy water, concentrated saltwater, tobacco juice, or alcohol to the leech’s anterior sucker, or use a lit cigarette to burn it, prompting it to detach on its own. After removal, apply pressure to stop the bleeding and disinfect the wound with iodine to prevent infection. Alternatively, you can sprinkle tobacco juice, limewater, or similar substances on the leech, or use a small fire to make it loosen its grip. A knife can also be used to scrape it off. If all else fails, let it feed until it naturally detaches.

       • If the wound continues to bleed, apply powdered charcoal or crush tender bamboo leaves into a paste and place it on the wound.