Epidemiology of scorpion envenomations and antivenom use in Brazilian Amazon

 

Scorpion envenomation is a public health problem in many regions of Brazil. Brazil inhabits several dangerous species in the genus Tityus C. L. Koch, 1836 (Buthidae) and several of these are also known to thrive close to human activities or in urban areas. 

Jonas Martins and co-workers have recently published an epidemiological study on scorpion envenomations in Brazilian Amazon between 2010 to 2020. An important part of the study was also to look at the use of antivenoms in the treatment of serious sting cases.

Abstract:
Introduction: Scorpion envenomation in the Amazon causes variable clinical manifestations. Data on these incidents, as well as on the demand, distribution, and use of antivenoms for treatment, are still limited in the literature. This study describes the epidemiology of scorpion envenomation and antivenom coverage in the Legal Amazon area from 2010 to 2020.
Methods: Data on scorpion sting victims, such as sex, age, circumstances of the incident (including location and time), and severity of the case, were obtained from an open health data system called the Notifiable Diseases Information System. The data on antivenom use to treat scorpion stings in each Amazonian state was estimated from consolidated data from the Strategic Inputs Information System.
Results: From 2010 to 2020, 62,388 people were envenomed by scorpions in the Legal Amazon area, resulting in 118 deaths (a fatality rate of 0.19%). The regular distribution of antivenom by the Brazilian Ministry of Health resulted in the allocation of 109,276 vials to the region. However, only 62.2% (of the regional antivenom stockpile 67,994 vials) was used. The state of Pará recorded the highest number of deaths from scorpion stings (33% of total deaths) and the highest use of antivenom per year (∼2705 vials over the 10-y period). Tocantins presented the highest incidence rate, with 119 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.
Conclusion: Although the availability of antivenom in the Legal Amazon between 2010 and 2020 exceeded actual demand, this was not enough to prevent the deaths of 118 victims of scorpion stings. These fatalities primarily affected demographic groups without referral units in their regions and point to critical failures in the spatial distribution of emergency medical services. Rural communities at risk of animal envenomation in the Amazon need timely treatment, a crucial condition for saving lives.

Reference:
Martins JG, Ribeiro de Almeida BR, de Oliveira Pardal PP, de Lima Procópio RE. Scorpion Stings and Antivenom Coverage in the Brazilian Amazon. Wilderness Environ Med. 2026:1–10. [Subscription required for full text]

Thanks to Jonas for sending me this article!