Epidemiological Characteristics of Scorpionism in West Azerbaijan Province, Northwest of Iran

Abstract

Background: There are four medically important scorpion species (Mesobuthus eupeus, Mesobuthus caucasicus, Androctonus crassicauda and Hottentotta saulcyi) in the West Azerbaijan Province, northwestern Iran. scorpionism is considered as a health problem in this region, because there is no information about scorpion envenomation, this study was designed to study epidemiological characteristics of scorpionism to optimize prevention and treatment of scorpion sting in northwest of Iran.

Methods: All the data from epidemiological surveys completed in West Azerbaijan hospitals over four years (2014– 2017) for scorpion victims were collected. This information includes the number of victims, sex, age, signs and symptoms, site of sting, body parts of victims, history of previous sting, the condition of the patient in terms of recovery and death, and the time to receive anti venom, all data were analyzed by the Excel software.

Results: A total of 2718 cases of scorpionism were reported from March 2014 to March 2017 in the study area. The most cases occur in both sexes in the age groups of 25 to 34 years old. In urban areas 40.3% of people and in rural areas 59.7% of them have suffered. The Poldasht and Chaldoran cities, had the most and least incidence respectively.

Conclusion: In this study, the high risk areas in the case of scorpion stings were identified. Results of this study can be used to design preventive programs to educate more people about dangerous areas to prevent scorpion sting and even death.