Published on 15/11/2023 at 11:16 am – Updated at 11:26 am, registered by Veronica Macado
The population of Bahia needs to remain vigilant due to the increase in the number of cases of adults and children stung by scorpions in the state. According to Bahia Health Department23 deaths were recorded from the beginning of 2023 to the end of October.
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The two largest municipalities of the interior lead the ranking, Vitória da Conquista and Feira de Santana. In Vitoria da Conquista, there are already more than 780 registered cases, of which 528 are in rural areas alone, a number representing more than 60% of the incidence.
According to course coordinator nursing According to Kelly Sampaio, Facultad Unime Anhanguera, the severity of scorpion stings can vary, and symptoms can include intense pain, swelling, nausea, vomiting, sweating and, in more severe cases, cardiorespiratory disorders. Therefore, it is necessary to seek medical help as soon as possible.
According to Health Ministry data, “the greatest victims of death from scorpion stings are children under the age of 10. Since they have an immune system that is still developing, children are more vulnerable to the effects of arachnid venom.” Become more sensitive. In addition, children can usually play in places where animals can hide, such as under furniture, boxes and other objects”, warned the expert.
For Kelly Sampaio, with the increase in cases in Bahia, it is necessary to adopt some preventive measures. Check out some tips.
- Cleanliness and Organization: Keep your home and yard clean and organized. Scorpions hide in debris, wood piles, dirty clothing, and clutter.
- Fences: Make sure screens on doors and windows are in good condition and there are no gaps or holes where scorpions can enter.
- Using repellents: Apply scorpion repellent to areas where they can hide, such as baseboards and drains, as well as sealing them.
- Shoes and Clothing: Wear appropriate shoes and clothing when walking in areas where scorpions may be present. Before wearing any shoe, ensure that it is not a hiding place for scorpions. Keep it away from contact with floors, covers and sheets, as it can climb onto the bed.
What to do if you get stung:
- Seek medical attention: Take the victim to a hospital or health center immediately. Doctors may prescribe specific treatments, such as antiscorpion serum, if necessary.
- Wash the area: Wash the bite area gently with soap and water.
- Stay calm: Keep the person calm and immobilize the affected area if possible.
- Do not bite or suck the bite: Do not try to bite the bite or suck out the venom as this could make the situation worse.
- Apply a cold compress: Apply a cold compress to the bite site to relieve pain and reduce swelling.
- Elevate the affected area: If the bite is extreme, elevate it slightly to help reduce swelling.
- Seek medical attention: Take the victim to a hospital or health center immediately. Doctors may prescribe specific treatments, such as antiscorpion serum, if necessary.
According to the Ministry of Health, in Brazil, there are the following species of scorpion genus Titius of public health importance:
- Yellow Scorpion (T. serrulatus) – With a wide distribution throughout the country, it represents the species of greatest concern due to the greater potential severity of toxicity and the expansion of its geographical distribution in the country, facilitated by its parthenogenetic . Reproduction and easy adaptation to urban environments. Brown scorpion (T. bahiensis) – found in Bahia and the mid-west, southeast and south regions of Brazil.
- Northeastern yellow scorpion (T. stigmamurus) – also exhibits parthenogenetic reproduction. It is the most common species in the Northeast, with some records in the states of São Paulo, Paraná and Santa Catarina.
- Amazon black scorpion (T. obscurus) – the main cause of accidents and deaths in the Northern Region and the state of Mato Grosso.
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