A resident of Kharkiv region had a 9.5-centimeter-long worm removed from their eye.

Surgeons in the Izjum district of the Kharkiv region removed a 9.5 cm long parasite from under the patient's eyelid. This was reported by the Kharkiv Lab Center.

A woman contacted doctors complaining of pain and swelling in the lower eyelid of her left eye. Subsequently, the swelling increased, and itching appeared. Doctors surgically removed the parasite, and the parasitological laboratory identified the parasite as a species of filaria.

According to experts, the woman likely was bitten by a mosquito in the summer of 2026. Symptoms may appear several months after the infection, and sometimes even a year or more later. Therefore, people often do not associate the illness with a summer bite.

Dirofilariasis is a parasitic disease caused by worms of the Dirofilaria genus. The source of the pathogen in nature is infected dogs and cats. In humans, the parasite most commonly settles under the skin or in tissues, particularly near the eyes. To protect against dirofilariasis, it is necessary to use repellents, wear closed clothing, install mosquito nets on windows and doors, prevent water from stagnating near the home, and regularly conduct parasitic prevention for pets as advised by a veterinarian. If an unexplained swelling appears, especially near the eyes, or if you feel movement under the skin, you should immediately consult a doctor.