Update Regarding the Epidemiological Overview of Scorpion Stings in Mexico: 2017-2019

Abstract

Introduction. Scorpion sting envenomation (SSE) is a public health problem in Mexico. In 2013, Secretaría de Salud established an objective to reduce the incidence of SSE by 36% through strategies focused on medical care, biological control of scorpions and prevention. Objective. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the policy for the control of SSE in Mexico through an analysis of new cases and incidences to identify future challenges in the control of this acute medical condition. Material and Methods. This study used scorpion sting data obtained from the 2017-2019 Boletín Epidemiológico del Sistema Nacional de Vigilancia Epidemiológica from Secretaría de Salud. Results. Several inconsistencies were identified in the data regarding new cases of SSE in 2017-2019, with Durango, Puebla, Jalisco, and Guerrero being the states with the highest incidences. The five states with the most cases (i.e., Jalisco, Guanajuato, Guerrero, Morelos, and Michoacán) accounted for approximately 67.27% of all cases in Mexico. The results indicate that SSE has increased throughout the country. Discussion. It is essential to improve both the epidemiological surveillance of SSE and the access to information to publicly disclose all data reported. The goal of reducing the SSE incidence in México is far from being met. Thus, it is critical to review the latest strategy of increasing the availability of anti-scorpion fabotherapics in the country. Conclusions. The goals established in Plan Específico de Acción 2013 are far from being met. Estimates of new SSE cases were surpassed by almost 70,000 cases. The incidence has remained constant in the states considered priorities, which indicates that the policy for the control of SSE is disjointed. The decrease in mortality has had a double effect (i.e., results are successful) but diverts attention from the lack of strategies focused on prevention.