Epidemiological and Clinical Aspects of Scorpion Stings in Kurdistan Region of Iraq

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 scorpion envenomed 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.