Clinical characteristics and seasonal patterns of nasal leech infestation: A retrospective case series

Figure 1 Age distribution of patients with nasal leech infestation. Bar chart illustrating the age distribution of 38 patients diagnosed with nasal leech infestation. The majority of cases occurred in children aged ≤ 14 years (n = 25), followed by adults aged 15-59 years (n = 7) and elderly patients aged ≥ 60 years (n = 6). The findings indicate a predominance of cases in the pediatric population.

Figure 2 Seasonal distribution of nasal leech infestation cases (2021-2026). Monthly case counts of patients presenting with nasal leech infestation during the study period. Presentations clustered in summer and early autumn, particularly in August and September.

Figure 3 Live leeches identified in the nasal cavity under nasal endoscopy. These images show the live leeches in different locations within the nasal cavity under nasal endoscopy. A: At the anteroinferior end of the middle turbinate; B: In the common nasal meatus; C: In Little’s area; D: In the middle meatus.