Epidemiological analysis of scorpion-sting cases in Qeshm County, Hormozgan Province, Iran: A four-year retrospective study (2021–2024)

Hassan  Nasirian; Seyed  Mohsen Mohebi Nodez; Abbas  Poudat

Authors

Hassan Nasirian School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran and Institute for Environmental Research (IER), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran
Seyed Mohsen Mohebi Nodez School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran and Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Hormozgan Health Institute, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Islamic Republic of Iran
Abbas Poudat Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Hormozgan Health Institute, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Islamic Republic of Iran and School of Health, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Islamic Republic of Iran

Keywords:

Antivenom, epidemiology, Hormozgan, Iran, Qeshm, retrospective study, scorpion sting

Abstract

Background: Scorpion stings are a major public health issue in tropical and subtropical regions of Iran, particularly in Hormozgan Province, where the incidence thereof is high.

Objective: This study aimed to analyze the epidemiological, clinical, and therapeutic aspects of scorpionsting cases in Qeshm County over four years (2021–2024).

Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study analyzed hospital records from 408 scorpion-sting cases. Information on demographic, temporal, geographical, clinical, and treatment factors was collected. Descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean ± standard deviation) and analytical tests (chi-square for categorical variables) were employed for analysis.

Results: The majority of victims were male (63.7% ± 2.4%), aged 30–60 years (41.9%), and residents of rural areas (72.1% ± 2.2%). The highest frequency of stings occurred from late spring to summer (65.4% ± 2.4%) and between 18:00 and 24:00. The extremities, particularly hands (58.8% ± 2.4%) and feet (32.6% ± 2.3%), were the most common sting sites. Hemiscorpius lepturus was the most frequently identified species (37.5% ± 2.4%), whereas the species remained unspecified in 47.1% ± 2.5% of cases. The primary treatment involved the administration of antivenom (96.3% ± 0.9%).

Conclusion: Scorpion stings in Qeshm County demonstrate specific demographic and seasonal trends that align with the broader epidemiological profile in Iran. However, there is a notable challenge in identifying the species involved in these incidents. This highlights the importance of improving diagnostic capabilities for species identification, implementing targeted public health interventions in rural areas, and ensuring a consistent supply of antivenom to address this ongoing health issue.

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