EPIDEMIOLOGICAL, CLINICAL CHARACHTERICTICS AND OUTCOME OF SCORPION ENVENOMATION IN ABDANAN COUNTY, WESTERN IRAN: AN ANALYSIS OF 780 CASES

Objective: Scorpion envenomation is an important health challenge in southern part of Iran with 75% yearly mortalities of scorpion sting in Iran. The aim of this descriptive-analytical study was to describe the epidemiological characteristics and outcomes among humans in Abdanan County, western Iran during 2009- 2013. Methods: In this study, all patients with scorpion sting reviewed and our needed data recorded. A questionnaire including demographic and epidemiologic data was completed for the patients. The frequencies of entomo-epidemiological parameters were converted to the percentage rank. Results: There were 780 scorpion victims. Scorpion stings were more prevalent in July [19.4%]. The most relative frequency of scorpion stings were in rural areas [58.1%]. The most stung organs were hands, with 50%. . Most of the cases were females [55%] in the 21-30 age groups [25.2%]. About 73.7% of the sufferers slept indoors and on the ground. Nearly 74.1 % of envenomed cases were due to yellow scorpions. The majority of cases [43%] were housewives. The stings mainly occurred between 12-18 [28%]. Conclusion: Due to serious signs of scorpionism, it is offered that members of families be in instructed about observing safety plans, taking care people and applying appropriate shoes and clothes all day long . Key Words: Scorpion Sting, Epidemiology, Iran