Scorpion envenomation in Bagh-E Malek, Iran –a 5 year study

Abstract

Scorpionism is a major health problem in many tropical countries including Iran. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiological and demographic information among whom stung by scorpions in Bagh-E Malek, Iran. In this retrospective cross-sectional study the information were gathered through evaluation of the records of stung patients referring to Shahid Tabatabai hospital of Bagh-E Malek April 2008 to April 2012. A total of 132 cases stung by scorpion were recorded including 3115 males (43%) and 4121 females (57%).Approximately 42.1 percent of the sting cases occurred in the summer followed by spring with 35.9% of stings. About 59.8% of stings happened in people by the age of 15-44 years old. Most of the stings happened in exposed extremities (78.5%) with most of it in upper limbs (41.8%). The scorpions’ species were unknown but 60.4% of them were yellow, 34.0% black and 5.6% were “other colors”. Since the highest rate of scorpionism cases were reported in rural areas (74.2%), it is suggested that the main focus should be considered for education of rural people, especially women who play a major role in the family. Additionally, evaluation of residential houses and surrounding environment and giving information on method of cleaning up the environment from the equipment and the factors from which scorpion may use as shelter, can also be effective in reducing the incidence of Scorpionism.

Keywords: Scorpion sting; Epidemiology; Bagh-E Malek; Iran