Epidemiological aspects of scorpion stings in Algeria: A monocentric retrospective study

Abstract

Scorpion stings are a real worldwide public health problem, especially in desert regions. North Africa recorded most of the deaths related to scorpion envenomation and Algeria is one of the most affected countries. This work aims to determine the epidemiological characteristics of scorpion stings in the city of Ouargla, south-east of Algeria. A monocentric retrospective study was conducted at Mohamed Boudiaf public hospital, the main hospital structure in Ouargla, from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2019. Statistical and descriptive analyses were performed using Excel 2019. Statistical significance was determined by P -value < 0.05. The study comprised 1088 stung patients; adults were the most affected (80.70%, n = 878), and the male-to-female ratio was 1.35. A total incidence of 561/100,000 was found. The lower limbs were involved in 51.4% ( n = 559) of cases, followed by the upper limbs (45%, n = 490). The majority of stings occurred during the summer season (58.9%, n = 641) and inside dwellings (74.2%, n = 807). Of all patients, 84.93% ( n = 924) presented local signs, 14.15% ( n = 154) mild general clinical signs, and 0.92% ( n = 10) severe systemic symptoms. Symptomatic treatment was recommended systematically and antivenom serum was used in 85% ( n = 925) of patients. The lethality rate was calculated as 0.83% ( n = 9). Children have higher lethality than adults ( p = 0.016). Despite the underreporting of cases, the high incidence of scorpion stings in North Africa suggests the need for adequate awareness campaigns for all age groups of the population to reduce this scourge.