Factors involved in the resilience of incidence and decrease of mortality from scorpion stings in Mexico

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Toxicology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Scorpion sting envenomation (SSE) is a persistent public health concern in Mexico, with approximately 300,000 treated cases annually.
• Incidence is stable, primarily affecting central and Pacific regions, with stings frequently occurring in homes.
• Historically, SSE caused over 1500 deaths yearly, but significant reductions have been observed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the historical trends and current status of scorpion sting envenomation in Mexico.
• To identify key factors contributing to the decline in SSE mortality and case fatality rates.
• To provide a comprehensive overview of SSE management, including antivenom development, from 1905 to the present.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of historical data on scorpion stings, mortality, and case fatality rates in Mexico.
• Review of public health records and medical literature concerning SSE management and antivenom efficacy.
• Statistical comparison of mortality rates between genders.

Main Results:

• Scorpion sting incidence remains stable at approximately 230 per 100,000 population.
• Mortality has drastically reduced from over 1500 deaths annually before the 1960s to fewer than 50 deaths per year currently.
• Significantly higher mortality was observed in males compared to females.

Conclusions:

• The dramatic decrease in SSE mortality is attributed to improved hospital care, the introduction of immunoglobulin F(ab')2 fragments, and expanded healthcare access.
• Effective management strategies and antivenom development have been crucial in mitigating the impact of scorpion stings in Mexico.
• Continued public health efforts are essential for managing SSE, particularly in high-incidence areas.