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A Novel Approach to Monitoring Scorpion Sting Trends in Qeshm County Over a Five-Year Period (2019–2024)



Nasirian H ; Nodez SMM ; Poudat A ; Alizadeh I ; Ebrahimi S ; Ebrahimifar J
Authors

Source: Journal of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences Published:2025

Abstract

Background and purpose: Scorpion stings are considered a significant public health issue in many countries, including Iran. With the increasing incidence of scorpion stings in Qeshm County, this study aimed to provide a comprehensive assessment of scorpion sting trends in the county over a five-year period (2019– 2024). For the first time, the study investigated the overall trend of scorpion sting rates, as well as the trends among women and men in both urban and rural areas, over this five-year period. Materials and methods: Scorpion sting cases referred to Payambar Azam Hospital in Qeshm County over a five-year period, from April 2019 to September 2024, were examined. The data were classified by gender, age group, month, region, urban or rural area, time of sting, previous history of stings, serum administration, and the time intervals from sting to recovery and from serum injection to recovery. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics. Scorpion sting rates were plotted by month, age group, gender, and area type (urban or rural) using Microsoft Excel. Results: The overall trend of scorpion sting rates during the study period increased from April to September and decreased from October to March. Rates increased among both men and women, as well as in urban and rural areas, with no significant changes observed across age groups. The highest average rate of scorpion stings occurred on the hands and feet, compared to the head, neck, and trunk. Conclusion: Monitoring scorpion sting rates in Qeshm County provides essential information for healthcare decision-makers. The greatest improvement was observed within six hours after serum injection, indicating a more rapid and effective treatment of scorpion envenomation. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.
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