Scorpions and Scorpionism in Roudan County, Southern Iran

Abstract


 Background: Every year, thousands of cases and many deaths from scorpion sting are reported in tropical areas of South and Southwestern parts of Iran. The aim of this study was to identify the fauna and dangerous species of scorpions in Roudan County, southern Iran.
 Methods: This descriptive study was conducted in 10 stations in Hormozgan Province. Scorpion sampling was done randomly by searching for their shelter and digging out their nests during day, and with the use of UV light during night from February 2013 to October 2014. Data of scorpion stings were obtained from health center of Hormozgan Province during 2014–2016.
 Results: Overall, 155 scorpions were collected on a set of eight species belonging to Buthidae and Hemiscorpiidae fam-ilies. These species were identified as Mesobuthus persicus, Mesobuthus phillipsi, Hottentotta schach, Odontobuthus doriae, Compsobuthus persicus, Orthochirus farzanpayi, Androctonus crassicauda and Hemiscorpius acanthocercus. One thousand and twenty-seven cases of scorpion sting were recorded during 2014–2016 with a peak period in summer. Most of cases were <44yr old. Five out of six medically important scorpions in Iran were actively identified in the study area.
 Conclusion: Results of this study would greatly help to identify risk factors of scorpion sting in high-risk areas for planning, management and treatment of patients with scorpion sting in these areas.

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

“…Our results showed that many scorpion stings occurred during the hot months of May to September with a peak in August. The results of some studies on scorpion envenomation in Iran, in this case are similar to our results that the peak of scorpion stings occurs in hot month of the year (16)(17)(18)(19)(20). This can be for two reasons: In the hot months of the year the scorpions are more active and also people's activities such as agriculture, gardening and other activities are increasing.…”

“…Results of some studies like our results shows that the age of the most of stung persons are more than 25 years old ( 17 , 21 , 22 ). This age group is more active in farming, ranching and gardening.…”

“…Nearly 50000 cases of scorpion stings have been reported annually from Iran (3,15). Some studies on scorpionism in Iran shows: the most cases of scorpion stings occurred in rural area in summer season (16)(17)(18)(19)(20). The age groups of 10-24 and 25-44 years old are more at risk (17,(20)(21)(22).…”

“…Some studies on scorpionism in Iran shows: the most cases of scorpion stings occurred in rural area in summer season (16)(17)(18)(19)(20). The age groups of 10-24 and 25-44 years old are more at risk (17,(20)(21)(22). Foot and hand are more frequent bitten by scorpions (16,20,(22)(23)(24)(25).…”

Epidemiological Characterizations, New Localities, and a Checklist of the Known Scorpions in the Kurdistan Region, Northern Iraq

“…The distribution of A. crassicauda in Kurdistan has been documented in thirteen districts, two of which are new. Androctonus species can adapt to a wide range of environmental conditions ( 18 ). According to the most recent Iraq scorpion checklist ( 1 ), A. crassicauda has been found in 14 provinces across the country, in all four geographical conditions (MR, UR, DR, AR= alluvial region).…”