Author/Authors :
Dehghani, Rouhullah Social Determinants of Health (SDH) Research Center and Department of Environmental Health - Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran , Rafinejad, Javad Department of Medical Entomology - School of Public Health - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , Fathi, Behrooz Department of Pharmacolog - School of Veterinary Medicine - Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran , Panjeh Shahi, Morteza Health Center - Kashan University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Kashan, Iran , Jazayeri, Mehrdad Health Center - Kashan University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Kashan, Iran , Hashemi, Afsaneh Head Office of Veterinary Khorassan Razavi Province, Mashhad, Iran
Abstract :
Background: Scorpion sting is a common medical emergency in Iran. The epidemiological features and control of
such cases vary from south to north. This review will provide new information about the epidemiology of scorpion
stings in different provinces of Iran.
Methods: In this descriptive retrospective study, data on scorpionism including incidence rates, mortality as well as
locality from 2002 to 2011were collected.
Results: Overall, 433203 victims of scorpion stings had been referred to health centers from of all of the 31 provinces.
The incidence of scorpion stings in 100000 populations was from 54.8 to 66. The highest rate of scorpion
stings occurred among the 25–34 yr old group. The highest incidence of scorpion stings during 2011 was observed in
Khuzestan Province and the lowest number in Mazandaran Province. The peak number of human cases (scorpion
stings) was recorded during May to August.
Conclusion: Scorpion stings in Iran are high. It is necessary that physicians and health care professionals should be
familiar with local scorpions, especially those that are potentially more dangerous than others, the effective treatment
protocols, and supportive care as well as their control of scorpionism
