ORIGINAL RESEARCH
Epidemiological and Clinical Aspects of Scorpion
Stings in Kurdistan Region of Iraq
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Department of Biology, College of Science, Salahaddin University-Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
Submission date: 2020-03-12
Final revision date: 2020-05-24
Acceptance date: 2020-05-25
Online publication date: 2020-09-09
Publication date: 2020-11-10
Pol. J. Environ. Stud. 2021;30(1):629-634
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ABSTRACT
Scorpion sting is still a heath problem and a serious issue threatening public health in many
countries of the world including Kurdistan-region of Iraq. The current study aimed to find out the spatial
distribution of scorpion stings and their clinical features in the north region of Iraq. It could be mentioned
that the present research work is the first comprehensive attempt to highlight the epidemiological
aspects of scorpionism and clinical manifestations of individuals bitten by scorpions in Iraq. To meet
the requirements of the survey and epidemiological pattern, all the cases (n = 4162) of scorpion stings
that attended the primary health care centers and clinics from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2018
in Erbil, Duhok and Sulaymaniyah provinces were considered. Moreover, the monthly frequency of
scorpion stings at the provincial level were perceived and exploited for epidemiological mapping.
However, scorpion envenomation is a neurotoxic syndrome, but other disorders such as cardiac failure,
acute pulmonary edema, shock and death can occur. Fortunately, most of the scorpion stings in adults
in Kurdistan-region of Iraq are deemed mild envenomation. Having said severe cases with highly
systematic envenomation was reported in Erbil province during the study period. At the study time, 41%
of the cases were found in Erbil followed by Duhok (34%) and Sulaymaniyah (25%), and the scorpionenvenomed
individuals aged 15-49 years. Regarding seasonal variations, the peak of scorpion stings
was elevated in June, July and August, whilst lowered in January and February. On the other hand, the
highest scorpion stings were recorded in 2017 as compared to 2018. Based on the results, it has been
concluded that scorpionism is a dangerous health dilemma in Kurdistan-region of Iraq with a high risk
level of scorpion envenomation during summer season in the area.