Spatial distribution of scorpions according to the socioeconomic conditions in Campina Grande,State of Paraíba, Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: Due to its frequency and morbidity, such as that caused by scorpions have achieved public health importance in certain regions of the world. The present exploratory ecological study aimed to characterize the epidemiological profi le and spatial distribution of scorpion stings in Campina Grande, State of Paraíba in Northeastern Brazil. Methods: Geographical information system techniques were used to record the scorpion stings, and Google Earth software, Track Maker, and ArcGIS 10 Esri were used as geocoding databases. The Moran test was used to evaluate spatial correlation, and the Pearson chi-square test was used to analyze associations between scorpion stings and socioeconomic variables. Results: The study evaluated 1,466 scorpion stings. Envenomations were more frequent among women (n = 908, 61.9%), and most patients were aged 13-28 years (n = 428, 29.2%). The Southern region of the city had the largest number of registered cases (n = 548, 37.4%), followed by the Western region (n = 510, 34.8%). Conclusions: Spatial analysis of scorpionism revealed an irregular occurrence in Campina Grande. Further, no association was observed between the socioeconomic factors analyzed and the geographic location of the scorpion envenomations. Detection of spatial areas with an increased risk of scorpionism can help prioritize adoption of preventive measures in these regions to reduce the associated incidence and morbidity.

Retrospective clinical and epidemiological analysis of scorpionism at a referral hospital for the treatment of accidents by venomous animals in Alagoas State, Northeast Brazil, 2007-2017

“…The highest frequency of scorpion stings was observed in females compared to the male group of patients. These data corroborate results of other studies carried out in the Northeast region of Brazil 22,[24][25][26] . This exposure relationship can be explained by the longer period of time that women usually stay in the home environment, compared to men, as previously reported 27 .…”

“…The elapsed time between the sting and early medical treatment is a crucial factor that greatly influences the prognosis of scorpion accidents 7 , as our study revealed that approximately 75% of all the patients received medical treatment up to 3 hours after the accident, in accordance with other previous studies [22][23][24]26,29 . In addition, in pediatric patients, a known risk group for scorpionism 9,37 , it was shown that prompt medical care may result in a better prognosis and therefore in mild cases 38 .…”

Epidemiological study of scorpion stings in the Rio Grande do Norte State, Northeastern Brazil

“…Local and systemic symptoms of injury by scorpion are similar regardless of the zoological differences among these arachnids 43 . In our study, local symptoms were reported in 94.82% of the cases, which have also been reported in studies in the North 39 , Northeast 19 , 26 and other regions of Brazil 6 , 43 . Systemic symptoms were observed in 6.0% of the cases.…”

“…However, the risk of death was 1.39 times higher (0.868-2.238; p> 0.05) in men. The more regularly search for medical assistance by women may be related to the lower risk of death in cases of scorpion envenomation 26 . The highest frequency of cases involving the female gender was also reported in other States in the Northeast of Brazil 16 , 17 , 27 .…”

Scorpionism in Brazil: exponential growth of accidents and deaths from scorpion stings

“…Measures for the control and management of scorpions are based on scorpion removal/collection and modifying environmental conditions to become an unfavorable environment for the proliferation of these arachnids. This includes the active capture of scorpions where accidents are most frequent, indicated, for example, by geoprocessing or spontaneous population demand 12 . These measures can reduce the number of accidents and, consequently, the morbidity and mortality levels 2 .…”