Epidemiological Survey and Clinical Presentation on Scorpionism in South-West of Iran

Abstract

5 Abstract: Scorpion stings comprise a serious problem throughout the globe, especially in regions where they are more frequent. In Iran, Khuzistan is one of the provinces most affected by this burden. This study aimed to trace the epidemiological profile of scorpion stings and some common clinical symptoms in Bagh-E-Malek in order to improve patient care and prevent both morbidity and mortality. Our work is an analytical cross- sectional study of scorpion stings based on medical files of stung patients referred during 2007- 2008. About 524 cases were registered in this county with an average incidence of 0.5 %. Prevalence of the scorpion victims from rural areas were 69.3%. The highest average age of victims was 15-24 years old. The most prevalent clinical signs and symptoms were local pain, erythema and necrosis. The stings were more frequent in summer months, particularly in August, when yearly temperature is the highest. Of all registered cases, 74.4% of the patients received medical aid in less than three hour after the sting. Based on the results of this study, scorpionism is of clinical importance in this area and public awareness and physician readiness along with the accessibility to effective antivenom significantly reduce scorpionism in this area.