How to identify high-risk areas for scorpionism in Brazil

 

Identifying scorpions of medical importance is important, but it is also important to be able to identify the areas were the risk of human-dangerous scorpion scorpion interactions are high. This is important so that preventive measures can be implemented optimally.

Talita Ferreira Amado and co-workers have recently published a study trying to identify high-risk areas for scorpionism in Brazil. They used a spatial prioritisation analysis to define priority areas for preventive and therapeutic actions against scorpion stings in Brazil. Spatial prioritisation indicated that the areas with higher risk exposure to accidents with scorpions are in northern and northeastern Brazil.

Interestingly, the study shows that the geographic occurrence of three of the four scorpion species with significant medical importance in Brazil (Tityus spp.) overlaps high human population densities. 

Abstract:
Objective To identify areas that present a higher risk of exposure to accidents with scorpions in Brazil.

Methods We used techniques of spatial prioritisation to determine the most vulnerable localities to envenomation by four scorpion species. Our prioritisation integrated ecological niche models with health investment, antivenin availability, access to health care facilities and metrics of human impact data.

Results The ecological niche models indicated that three scorpion species (Tityus bahiensis, Tityus serrulatus, and Tityus stigmurus) are more associated with human population density, while T. obscurus demonstrated a strong association with temperature variations during the year. Spatial prioritisation indicated that the areas with higher risk exposure to accidents with scorpions are in northern and northeastern Brazil. Alternatively, more isolated but densely populated areas in the southeastern and central regions also emerged as a priority.

Conclusion Mapping areas where humans are more likely to interact with scorpions can assist in the design of efficient public health policies.

Reference:
Amado TF, Moura TA, Riul P, Lira AFA, Badillo-Montaño R, Martinez PA. Vulnerable areas to accidents with scorpions in Brazil. Trop Med Int Health. 2021;26(5):591-601.[Subscription required for full text]

Thanks to Andre Lira for sending me their article!