Epidemiologic profile of scorpion sting accidents in the duodecennial between 2011 and 2022 in the southeastern region of Brazil

Abstract

Scorpion sting accidents have a significant impact in Brazil, leading to increased hospitalizations and healthcare costs, especially in regions with high scorpion populations. The present study aimed to perform an epidemiological analysis of these accidents in Southeastern Brazil. It is an epidemiological, ecological, and mixed-design study. The methodological strategy involved the analysis of epidemiological bulletins provided by the Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (Sinan) from 2011 to 2022. The data revealed that 613,385 cases of accidental scorpion bites were reported. Minas Gerais had the highest number of cases (50.44%). Males, Caucasians, between 20 and 59 years old, with a low level of education, are the most affected. Victims sought medical attention within 3 hours of the bite, and 27.34% were on the fingers. About 89.7% of the cases were classified as mild, 95.33% were cured, and 0.78% died from the reported disease. The results highlight the urgent need for targeted prevention strategies, improved medical management, and community awareness campaigns to reduce the impact of scorpion stings in the southeastern region of Brazil.