Manisha Koirala says ‘leeches would be all over your leg’ while shooting for ‘Tu Hi Re’: know what happens if the worm bites

Manisha Koirala recently recounted a harrowing experience while filming a song for her debut film ‘Bombay,’ where her legs were covered with leeches during the shoot. 

Talking to O2 India, the Heeramandi actor, remembered how she had to go through a “tough” time while shooting ‘Kehna Hi Kya’. She said, “Tu Hi Re was a very difficult song. There was one chunk, two places, which were extremely difficult (to shoot in). One was on the rocks, where the sea hit and big splashes came. That was pretty dangerous but somehow we managed to shoot and got it right. The other place was… I don’t know which area that was, we were in the midst of a thick jungle and it was full of leeches.”

“So, if you walk one step also, leeches would be all over your leg. (For the song) I had to wear a skirt, that blue skirt and I had to run through the jungle… It was full of leeches, there was a lot of difficulty. But then we were told to put salt on and wear boots. We figured out how to navigate a tough situation,” she added.

While leeches are generally not dangerous, their bites can be uncomfortable and lead to potential infections if not properly managed.

Dr Palleti Siva Karthik Reddy, MBBS, MD, general physician, shares, “Leeches are segmented worms that belong to the phylum Annelida and are closely related to earthworms. They are primarily found in moist environments such as forests, marshes, swamps, and along the banks of rivers and lakes. They are particularly drawn to warm, wet climates and are frequently found in dense, humid forests — exactly the environments many adventurers explore.”

Effective methods for preventing leech bites when venturing outdoors

When it comes to preventing leech bites, Dr Reddy says: 

– Wear protective clothing: Long-sleeved shirts, pants, and high socks create a physical barrier. Tucking your pants into your socks and wearing closed-toe shoes or boots can reduce the likelihood of leeches reaching your skin.

– Use leech repellent: Some repellents are designed to keep leeches at bay. Products containing DEET or essential oils like eucalyptus or tea tree oil can be applied to exposed skin and clothing to deter leeches.

– Apply salt or vinegar: Coating your shoes, socks, and pants with salt or vinegar can deter leeches, as they are highly sensitive to these substances.

– Avoid walking through dense vegetation: If possible, stay on cleared trails and avoid brushing up against wet leaves or grasses where leeches might be hiding.

Some repellents are designed to keep leeches at bay. (Source: Freepik)

Safest and most effective ways to remove a leeches when bitten

Dr Reddy stresses, “If you find a leech attached to your skin, it’s important to remain calm and avoid yanking it off, as it can increase the risk of infection.” 

Use one of these methods for safe removal:

Saline solution or salt: Gently pour a small amount of salt or saline solution over the leech. This will irritate the leech, causing it to detach from your skin naturally. 

Vinegar or alcohol: Dabbing the leech with a bit of vinegar or rubbing alcohol can also make it release its grip. 

Sliding method: If you don’t have any substances on hand, you can use a fingernail or the edge of a credit card to slide the leech off.

Signs or symptoms to watch for after a leech bite that might indicate a need for medical attention

While most leech bites are harmless and resolve without any issues, there are certain signs to watch for that may indicate complications requiring medical attention:

– Signs of infection: If the bite area becomes red, swollen, painful, or warm to the touch, these could be signs of an infection.

– Allergic reaction: Though rare, some people may experience an allergic reaction to leech bites. Watch for symptoms such as hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or dizziness. These symptoms may indicate anaphylaxis, which is a medical emergency.

– Excessive bleeding: If the bite continues to bleed heavily for more than a few hours or if you have a bleeding disorder, it’s best to seek medical advice, as the anticoagulants in leech saliva can exacerbate the issue.

– Fever or chills: If you develop a fever, chills, or flu-like symptoms after a leech bite, this could indicate a secondary infection, and you should consult a doctor.

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