Scorpion Fauna and Scorpionism in Zakho Province of Northern Iraq

Abstract

Information regarding scorpion diversity and their envenoming within Iraq in general, and the Northern Iraq in particular, is limited. The number and distribution of scorpion sting cases and some details of the scorpion fauna of Zakho province were reported for the first time in this study. Overall, 2675 scorpion sting cases were reported between 2008 and 2017 consisting of 1362 male victims (51%) and 1313 female (49%). The highest percentage of victims was between 15 and 49 years old and accounted for 59% of the overall incidence. The highest incidence of scorpion sting cases occurred in the summer, particularly in July when 537 cases were reported. In total, 85 scorpions belonging to two families (Scorpionidae and Buthidae) were captured in the present study. Of the collected samples, Scorpio maurus 47 (55%) was the most abundant followed by Hottentotta saulcyi 28 (33%), and Androctonus crassicauda 10 (12%).