Epidemiological and climatological factors influencing on scorpion envenoming in Baghmalek County, Iran

Type Journal Article - Academic Journal of Entomology
Title Epidemiological and climatological factors influencing on scorpion envenoming in Baghmalek County, Iran
Author(s)
Volume 6
Issue 2
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 2013
Page numbers 47-54
URL http://idosi.org/aje/6(2)13/1.pdf
Abstract
Scorpionism is a serious public health problem throughout the globe, especially in tropical and
sub-tropical areas. In Iran, Khuzistan province and its counties including Baghmalek is one of the regions
most affected by this burden. This survey aimed to trace the epidemiological profile and certain risk factors
including climatological factors affecting on scorpionism and some common clinical signs in Baghmalek to
improve patient care. This research is a descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study on scorpion stings based
on previously designed questionnaire for stung patients referred during 2006-2007. mean monthly precipitation
(mm), the maximum monthly wind speed (m/s) the maximum and minimum monthly relative humidity (%) and
the maximum and minimum monthly temperatures (°C) were obtained from Iran Meteorological Organization and
were studied in relation to cases of scorpion sting. About 991 cases were found in this county, during the study
period. There were approximately 0.96 stings/year per 100 people in the study areas. About 35.3% of the
scorpion victims were from urban areas. The highest average age of victims was 15-24 years old (37.8%). The
stings were more frequent in spring. Of all registered cases, 74.5% of the patients received medical aid in less
than three hours 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.

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