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Bark Scorpion Envenomation Capture-Recapture Estimate in Maricopa County, Arizona, 2017-2021
Kathryn G Burr1,2,3, Ariella P Dale2, Maureen Roland4
1Epidemic Intelligence Service, Division of Workforce Development, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
Vector Borne and Zoonotic Diseases (Larchmont, N.Y.)
|July 31, 2025
Summary
Bark scorpion envenomations (SE) are common in Arizona. Studies show actual SE cases are four times higher than reported in databases, highlighting underreporting.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Bark scorpion (Centruroides sculpturatus) envenomations (SE) pose significant health risks, particularly in Arizona.
- Understanding the true incidence of SE is crucial for effective public health management and resource allocation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the epidemiology of reported SE in Maricopa County from 2017-2021.
- To estimate the actual incidence of SE using a two-source capture-recapture methodology.
Main Methods:
- Utilized hospital discharge data (HDD) and regional poison center (PC) data for reported SE cases.
- Applied capture-recapture modeling to estimate the total number of SE incidents.
Main Results:
- A total of 45,179 SE were reported across both systems.
- Hospital discharge data recorded 17,884 unique visits, while poison centers consulted on 30,331 SEs.
- Capture-recapture analysis estimated 178,625 total SE incidents over the five-year period.
Conclusions:
- The actual incidence of bark scorpion envenomations is approximately four times higher than recorded in available databases.
- Regional poison center data offers a more comprehensive reporting source than hospital discharge data for SE.
- Capture-recapture methods significantly enhance the understanding of SE incidence and underreporting.
