Abstract

Background and objectives: Scorpion sting is a frequent, life-threatening medical emergency in children. They constitute a significant public health problem in many underdeveloped countries, including India. This study was done to study the epidemiological factors responsible for high prevalence of scorpion sting in our community. Methodology: This is an observational study of 35 cases of scorpion sting, admitted at our institute. An epidemiological study was done to determine the factors predisposing to prevalence of scorpion sting in the community. Results: Scorpion sting is a common, pediatric emergency in our area. Rural male children, from lower socioeconomic groups, aged between 1–3 years (28%) and 3–10 years, (57%) were most commonly affected. Maximum admissions in May, June. Conclusion: Scorpion sting is a serious, potentially fatal emergency in our area. Cardiovascular manifestations are most common and life-threatening. Scorpion stings constitute a "occupational hazard" for children employed as agricultural laborers. The epidemiological factors affecting the severity of scorpion envenomation are studies in the present study. The various factors are season summer being 49% cases, rural area common being 64%, scorpion sting common in lower socioeconomic strata residing in kaccha house. Sting found more in night time and 44% were in outdoor. Sixty eight percent scorpion stings were on exposed part of body.

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