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

Background: There are four medically important scorpion species (Mesobuthus eupeus, Mesobuthus caucasicus, Androctonus crassicauda and Hottentotta saulcyi) in West Azerbaijan Province, northwestern Iran, among which M. eupeus is the most prevalence and A. crassicauda is deadly species, and scorpionism is considered as a Health roblem in this region, because most studies on scorpion sting is conducted in south and southwestern provinces of Iran, these studies in other regions including northwestern parts has been neglected.Objectives: This study was designed to study epidemiological characteristics of scorpionism, to optimize prevention and treatment of scorpion sting.Materials and Methods: All the data from epidemiological surveys completed in West Azerbaijan hospitals over four years for scorpion victims were collected. This nformation includes the number of victims, sex, age, signs and symptoms, site of sting, body parts of victims, history of previous sting, and the condition of the patient in terms of ecovery and death, and the time to receive anti venom and then were analyzed by the Excel software.Results: A total of 2718 cases of scorpionism were reported from March 2014 to March 2017 in the studied area. The most cases occurs in both sexes in the age group of 25 to 34 years old. 40.3% of people in urban areas and 59.7% in rural areas have suffered. The cities Poldasht and Chalderan, had the most and least incidence respectively.Conclusion: In this study, the high risk areas of the province were identified as scorpion sting. The results of this study can be used to design preventive programs, to educate more people about dangerous areas to prevent scorpion sting and even death.

Keywords:

Scorpionism , Scorpion , Prevention and Treatment , West Azerbaijan Province , Iran.