Epidemiologic Feature of Scorpion Envenomation in Aghajari County, Southwestern Iran. 2016-17

About, 1230000 scorpion envenomation happen in the world each year, while the number of deaths is approximately 3250. Nearly named 2000 species of scorpions are found in the globe. Of these, 30 species have medical significance. Yearly, about 50000 people are stung by various species of scorpions in Iran. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiological features of stings by scorpions in Aghajri County during 2016 and 2017 years, southwestern Iran.

In this cross- sectional study, only definite scorpion stings where the scorpion was collected were included. We obtained demographic-epidemiologic data by interview and filling a questionnaire. The data were analyzed by SPSS software version 20, using descriptive - analytical statistics such as frequency, percentage, Chi-square and t tests.

In total, 280 cases were recorded during 2016 and 2017. The majority cases were men (52.8%). The most stung limbs were feet and hands, with 46.1% and 34.6%, respectively. The most frequent patients were in the age groups 10-24 (25%) and 25-34 (24.3%) years old. Nearly 52.5% stung cases were from rural areas. All patients (100%), had been admitted to emergency department less than 1.5 hour after scorpion sting. Most cases of scorpion stings occurred during summer (40.7%) and spring (29.3%), while August (16.4%) and June (15%) were the months with highest rates.All patients during the study were treated with anti-venom serum.

The highest rate of cases were reported in rural areas and 10-24 years old age group, therefore, training programs should be considered for preventing scorpion sting in the above mentioned areas and age group.