Centruroides exilicauda envenomation in Arizona.

Area of Science:

• Toxicology
• Arthropod-borne diseases

Background:

• Centruroides exilicauda, commonly known as the Arizona bark scorpion, has a historical reputation for causing severe envenomations.
• Understanding the true clinical spectrum of C. exilicauda envenomation is crucial for public health and medical management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To retrospectively analyze telephone calls reporting scorpion envenomations to the Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center.
• To characterize the epidemiology and clinical outcomes of envenomation by Centruroides exilicauda.

Main Methods:

• Review of 1,135 telephone calls received between 1980 and 1981.
• Identification of 438 cases specifically attributed to Centruroides exilicauda based on arthropod description and clinical presentation.

Main Results:

• Envenomations by C. exilicauda predominantly affected adults during summer and early fall.
• The majority of patients (92%) were managed with conservative home treatment.
• Children under 5 years old were disproportionately represented among those requiring emergency or inpatient medical care.

Conclusions:

• Despite its reputation, most Centruroides exilicauda envenomations result in relatively minor clinical effects.
• Young children, particularly those under 5 years of age, represent a vulnerable population susceptible to severe toxicity from C. exilicauda stings.