Données épidémiologiques sur l’envenimation scorpionique en Algérie

Abstract

The scorpion envenomation is a major public health problem in Algeria. Given this fact, the Ministry of Health has developed a national strategy for prevention and control based on the training of health personnel, information, education and communication, and standardization of care on the basis of a therapeutic consensus. The monitoring and evaluation activities are carried out by epidemiological indicators through the implementation of an information system based in the services of Epidemiology, INSP (National Institute of Public Health) and Prevention Department of the Health Ministry. The information carriers are report cards implemented in different health facilities that collect data on bites and deaths from scorpion envenomation. Summaries of notifications from the wilayas are collected monthly, and processed by the Epi info software using monitoring indicators. From 1991 to 2010, there has been a stagnation in the number of stings with an average of 50,000 cases per year, but mortality decreased from more than 100 deaths in the last fifty years to 50 nowadays. The higher proportion of stings was recorded during the summer period. The most affected group is from 15 to 49 years which constitute the workforce, but children from 5 to 14 years rank first in terms of mortality. But these rates vary across years and regions. Despite all these efforts, the scorpion envenomation in Algeria remains of concern and our main challenges are to strengthen cross-sectional actions at the local level and improving the quality of care.

Incidence and severity of scorpion stings in Algeria

“…Admission to the intensive care unit is required if the patient shows predictive signs of severity (4,11,12). This strategy is the result of the remarkable tolerance of antivenoms composed of purified fragments of immunoglobulins F(ab')2 (12,13).…”

“…They have been identified for many years in Algeria and in other countries of the Maghreb (1)(2)(3)(4)(5). In Algeria, the most dangerous scorpion species that are of medical interest include Androctonus australis and Leiurus quinquestriatus, and are found mostly in the southern highlands and in the Atlas and Hoggar mountain ranges.…”

“…This device resulted in improved availability of epidemiological data. The present study aims to provide an overview of the epidemiological situation of scorpion envenomations in Algeria, an analysis that might lead to recommendations for improving the national program (2,4).…”

About a case of blindness following scorpion envenomation

“…In the region of Ouargla, south-east of Algeria, scorpion stings are frequent and often severe, especially in children, despite a significant improvement in scorpion stings treatment in recent years (1)(2)(3).…”

Echocardiographic changes during acute pulmonary edema subsequent to scorpion sting

“…In Algeria, scorpion envenomation is a major public health problem, especially in the south of the country, such as in Ouargla, where almost 2,000 scorpion stings that cause ten deaths are recorded each year (1,2). Among the species found in the region, the most common and probably the most dangerous is Androctonus australis hector.…”