Are scorpion envenomations a neglected tropical disease?

 

For us who work or have experiences with scorpions, it is well known that some genera and species can cause death and serious morbidity in humans. This is a problem in some countries and regions in the world.

Eduardo Alfonso Hernández Muñoz and co-workers recently published an article summing up the status of scorpionism globally and raise a concern that scorpion envenomations are not given priority as a serious tropical disease today. According to the authors, the serious consequences from scorpion stings in many areas of the world should support that scorpion sting envenomations should be given a status as a neglected tropical disease by health authorities. This will hopefully increase the focus on prevention and treatment of scorpion envenomations.

That article present a table with list of countries and taxa that have potential medical importance.

Abstract:
⇒Each year, scorpion sting envenomation (SSE) leads to thousands of deaths and severe complications, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations with limited access to timely treatment, especially children under 10 years of age; however, it is not formally recognised by the WHO as a neglected tropical disease (NTD).

⇒ In 2018, the WHO concluded that SSE did not meet the NTD criteria, citing ‘extremely rare mortality, lack of long-term disability and difficulties in defining a broad control strategy’.

⇒ This analysis presents evidence-based arguments for the urgent reconsideration of SSE as an NTD, considering new data that addresses previous objections and underscores its significant and underestimated public health impact.

⇒ Addressing SSE as an NTD is a crucial step towards achieving global health equity and preventing avoidable deaths in vulnerable communities, particularly among children.

Reference:
Hernández Muñoz EA, Borges A, Zavala-Sánchez EV, Rojas de Arias A, Oukkache N, de Souza CMV, et al. Scorpion sting envenomation: a neglected tropical disease in the shadow of global health priorities: an urgent call to action. BMJ Glob Health. 2025;10(11):e020682. [Open Access]

Thanks to Dr. Adolfo Borges for sending me their article!