Relatives of spiders and ticks, scorpions are venomous animals whose bite can cause serious health problems. Data from the Ministry of Health show that, in 2021, more than 154,000 scorpion sting accidents were recorded in Brazil. The folder warns that there is no scientific evidence that home treatments work and says that, in case of a bite, the patient should seek immediate medical attention. Some scorpion species are already strongly adapted to the urban environment. In a recent case registered in Brasilia, the boy Thomas Caitano, 2 years old, was bitten by the animal while he was sleeping, in an apartment in Águas Claras. The child remains hospitalized in serious condition, with no forecast of discharge, and the family asks for type A+ blood donation. Species In Brazil, there are four main species of scorpion: yellow scorpion, found in all regions and the most worrying, as it is the most poisonous; brown scorpion, found in Bahia and in some places in the Midwest, Southeast and South; northeastern yellow scorpion, more common in the Northeast, with records in São Paulo, Paraná and Santa Catarina; and the Amazon black scorpion, the main cause of accidents and deaths in the North Region and in Mato Grosso. Signs and symptoms According to the ministry, when a person is stung by a scorpion, the pain is immediate in practically all cases. There is still a tingling sensation, redness and sweat at the site. After a few minutes or hours, especially in children, who are more vulnerable to the poison, symptoms such as tremors, nausea, vomiting, unusual agitation, excessive production of saliva and hypertension may appear. The folder highlighted that all scorpions are poisonous and says that the risks increase according to the amount of venom injected and how harmful the venom of each species is for the human body. Mild cases, which do not require the application of antivenom, account for approximately 87% of all accidents. The anti-scorpion serum is available only in reference hospitals of the Unified Health System (SUS). Prevention Scorpions that live in urban areas feed mainly on cockroaches and are common in places where there is an accumulation of garbage. They are animals that do not attack, but defend themselves when threatened. According to the ministry, to avoid unwanted encounters, it is important to keep trash bags tightly closed, gardens and backyards clean and avoid accumulation of rubble, dry leaves, household waste and construction materials near homes. In houses and apartments, it is important to use sills on doors and windows; screens in floor drains, sinks and tanks; move beds and cribs away from the walls; keep bedding and mosquito nets from touching the ground and keep the lawn trimmed. Another recommendation is not to put your hand in holes, under stones or on rotten logs, and wear gloves and leather boots to carry out activities that pose a certain risk, such as handling rubble and construction material. In rural areas, in addition to all these measures, it is essential to preserve the so-called natural enemies of scorpions: lizards, frogs and nocturnal birds such as owls. “The Ministry of Health does not recommend the use of chemical products (pesticides) to control scorpions. These products, in addition to not having, so far, proven effectiveness for controlling the animal in an urban environment, can make them leave their hiding places, increasing the risk of accidents.”
Agência Brasil
Folha Nobre - Desde 2013 - ©