Epidemiologic Status of Scorpion Sting in Qom, Iran 2004-2013

Background & Aims of the Study: In the tropical regions of Iran, scorpionism is one of theimportant medical and public concerns. Poisoning with scorpion sting is one of the lifethreatening medical emergencies especially in individuals who are less than 6 years; knowingabout its epidemiologic aspects might lead to exploit appropriate preventive methods. Therefore,for this purpose, the epidemiologic status of scorpion sting in Qom province of Iran was studiedduring 2004–2013.Materials & Methods: This research is a descriptive-cross sectional study which has been donein all urban and rural areas of Qom province during 2004-2013 and all cases that referred to theone hospital, were assessed, examined, treated, followed and finally a questionnaire which isincluding demographic, epidemiologic and clinical data was completed for the patients. Datawere analyzed by SPSS 17. Chi square and Fisher’s exact test were used for the evaluation of thehypothesis.Results: Totally, 395 cases of scorpion sting who were referred during the studied period. Mostof them had 10–24 years. Most of them were male (60.25%). The most cases occurred duringspring and summer. The stings mainly occurred at night between 22 p.m. and 4 a.m. Hands andfoots were the most common organs of scorpion sting. 18.7 % of envenomed cases were due toblack scorpion. 74.4 % of cases were from rural and 25.6 % from urban regions. 77.2% of thesufferers, sleep outdoor and on the floor. In 20.5% of cases, were surrounded by timber, dust andbuilding materials. All cases have been received treatment and healed.Conclusions: Based on findings, scorpion sting is considered a public health concerns in Qomprovince. So, it seems the programs of health education on personal protection to preventpossible damages with scorpions, especially students to be necessary. Also, the villager s shoulduse the proper bed to sleep outdoor before wearing clothes or shoes and before entering the bedto ensure there are no scorpions. People should refuse to keep away timber, dust from residentialenvironments for a long time.

Keywords:

Scorpion stingEpidemiologyQomIran