An update on epidemiology and management practices of Scorpion envenomation in India.

Abstract

Scorpion envenomation is a life-threatening condition, particularly for children. Therefore, it is essential for primary care health providers to suspect, identify, and manage this condition early to prevent death and minimize morbidity. To identify the key epidemiological characteristics of scorpion envenomation and update the primary care health workers regarding the latest management practices of scorpion envenomation. A non-systematic review was performed by searching the key terms on databases such as PubMed, Medline, Scopus, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate. Worldwide, over 2.5 billion people are living at risk of scorpion stings. Every year, over 1.2 million are stung by scorpions leading to the death of at least 3,250 people globally. The most vulnerable group includes farmers, laborers, and those living in rural areas. Adults are most frequently stung but envenomation is more severe among children. Prazosin is a key drug to prevent death due to cardiovascular complications. Most of these stings and deaths could be preventable with proper awareness, safety precautions, and timely access to treatment. Government and local hospitals should ensure the availability of key drugs such as prazosin.