Abstract
Due to its frequency and morbidity, such as that caused by scorpions have achieved public health importance in certain regions of the world. The present exploratory ecological study aimed to characterize the epidemiological profile and spatial distribution of scorpion stings in Campina Grande, State of Paraíba in Northeastern Brazil. Geographical information system techniques were used to record the scorpion stings, and Google Earth software, Track Maker, and ArcGIS 10 Esri were used as geocoding databases. The Moran test was used to evaluate spatial correlation, and the Pearson chi-square test was used to analyze associations between scorpion stings and socioeconomic variables. The study evaluated 1,466 scorpion stings. Envenomations were more frequent among women (n = 908, 61.9%), and most patients were aged 13-28 years (n = 428, 29.2%). The Southern region of the city had the largest number of registered cases (n = 548, 37.4%), followed by the Western region (n = 510, 34.8%). Spatial analysis of scorpionism revealed an irregular occurrence in Campina Grande. Further, no association was observed between the socioeconomic factors analyzed and the geographic location of the scorpion envenomations. Detection of spatial areas with an increased risk of scorpionism can help prioritize adoption of preventive measures in these regions to reduce the associated incidence and morbidity.
Highlights
Due to its frequency and morbidity, such as that caused by scorpions have achieved public health importance in certain regions of the world
Brazil has seen an increase in the reporting of scorpion envenomations and the number of severe scorpionism cases, which can progress to death mainly in children and elderly(1) (2) (3) (4)
A discrete gradual decrease in the incidence rate over the study duration was noted in a previous study in Belo Horizonte, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil(20)
Summary
Due to its frequency and morbidity, such as that caused by scorpions have achieved public health importance in certain regions of the world. No association was observed between the socioeconomic factors analyzed and the geographic location of the scorpion envenomations. Scorpion stings represent an important public health problem in some regions of the world due to their frequency and morbidity. The venom acts at specific sites of ion channels like the sodium and potassium channels in the host; in particular, the venom acts on the sodium channels to depolarize the membrane of excitable cells, leading to a wide release of catecholamine and acetylcholine These neurotransmitters act in several regions of the organism [nerve endings sensory, motor and autonomic nervous system (ANS)] and are responsible for the characteristic signals and symptoms observed in patients(7) (8)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
