Epidemiology of Scorpion Envenoming in the Prefecture of Figuig, Morocco

Scorpion stings are a public health problem in Morocco. Many studies have been conducted in various geographic locations to explore this problem. In this context, this is the first study aims to provide an epidemiological analysis of scorpion stings in the prefecture of Figuig, Morocco between 2009 and 2017. This is a retrospective study providing an epidemiological analysis of scorpion stings over 9 years. The data comprised the number of cases collected each month, their origin, and clinical outcomes. The data were transferred to Microsoft Office Excel and the statistical analysis describing means, standard deviations and frequencies, was performed using the program Epi info 6. Over 9 years, there have been 1485 accidents recorded with sex ratio (M:F) as 1:1. The average incidence recorded is 127.62 per 100000 inhabitants per year. The stings were more frequent in summer months, particularly July and August, and 21.14% of the cases were children under 15 years. Of all cases, 73.4% did not need any medication, 3.03% needed hospitalization to treat specific symptoms and medical conditions, and 2.89% needed treatment for systemic effects of the envenomation. About 94.81% of all patients presented local symptoms and only 1.41% have their condition evolved into advanced symptoms and general manifestations. Scorpion stings are a public health problem in the prefecture of Figuig. The present study provided analysis in order to integrate the national strategy to fight the scorpion stings in Morocco.