Spatial Distribution of Scorpion Sting in a High-Risk Area of Southern Iran

Abstract

Scorpion sting is a public health problem in south and southwestern parts of Iran, with about 36,000 cases recorded annually. This study aimed to find the spatial distribution of scorpions and their stings in Bandar Abbas County. Monthly scorpion sting cases at the village level were obtained and used for mapping. Scorpions were collected from 14 collection sites using a UV lamp at night and searching under stones during the day time. During the study period, a total of 3,971 cases of scorpion sting were recorded, most of them were found in mountainous areas and affected individuals aged 25-44 yrs. In total, 18 scorpion species belonging to 10 genera were collected and identified. The peak of scorpion sting cases occurred from July to September. The northern part of the mountainous areas had a richer species composition. Hemiscorpius persicus and Hemiscorpius gaillardi were collected for the first time in the area. There were 22 scorpion species in the area across studies; among them, 10 were most dangerous. Hemiscorpius genus is the main etiologic agent in Bandar Abbas County. Mapping dangerous species allows the health system to provide relevant anti-scorpion venom serum accordingly and more cost-effectively.

Epidemiological and Clinical Aspects of Scorpion Stings in Kurdistan Region of Iraq

“…While the patient under five years old less faced with this problem. This rate matches the results of [20,24]. In which, the moderate ratio can be seen between the age 6-15 and patient with more than 50 years old.…”

“…Also in Argentina scorpion-stung patients were 54% males and 46% females [19] .However, it is not consistent with the results of [20] in Ramhormoz, South-West of Iran, they reported more numbers of females than males. Shahi, Moosavy [24] reported that scorpionism in Bandar Abbas between males and females nearly was equal. It is due to different approaches and geographical positions in the two studies.…”

Predictive determinants of scorpion stings in a tropical zone of south Iran: use of mixed seasonal autoregressive moving average model

“…The diversity of scorpion species is increased in tropical regions in latitudes between 23 and 38 degrees [ 8 ]. Given the geographical coordinates of Iran (between 25 and 40 degrees north), the scorpion distribution and species diversity in the country are remarkable [ 9 , 10 ].…”

“…After Mexico, Iran has the highest rate of the scorpion stings in the globe [ 11 ]. The majority of the stings that occur in the country are reported from the province of Khuzestan, followed by Sistan-Baluchistan, and Hormozgan [ 9 ]. About 50 species of scorpions are found throughout the territory and distributed into four families: Diplocentridae, Buthidae, Scorpionidae, and Hemiscorpiidae.…”

The Impact of Climatic Factors on Spatial Distribution of Scorpion Stings in Ardabil Province, North-West of Iran; 2012 - 2017

“…This increase is a health threat in this area, since with the increase of temperature and decrease of humidity, the prevalence of scorpionism increased. In Hormozgan Province, South of Iran (18), Morocco (19), and Brazil (20) scorpionism also increased. More than 70% of the cases occurred in June, July, and August.…”