Scorpions are the venomous animals with the largest number of accidents notified in Brazil . In the year 2023 the Ministry of Health notified 195,645 cases of accidents involving these animals. Of these, 152 were fatal .
The growth of cases in recent decades is related to several factors, including urban expansion, the best adaptation of these animals to life in cities and climate change.
Do all scorpions pose risks to humans?
All scorpions are venomous, that is, they produce toxin and can inject it. However, Only some are of medical interest, which pose risks to human health. More than 180 species of scorpions existing in Brazil, only four They are considered of medical interest and can cause serious accidents: species of the genus Tityus. They are:
- Yellow Scorpion (Tityus serrulatus) : It has wide distribution through all macroregions of the country. It is the species of greater concern due to the greater potential of gravity of poisoning and its largest area of occurrence.
- Scorpio-Marrom (Tityus bahiensis) : Occurs in the Midwest, Southeast and South Brazil regions.
- Yellow Scorpion-in-Northeast (Tityus stigmurus) : It is the most common species in the Northeast, presenting some records in the states of Tocantins, Minas Gerais, Sao Paulo, Paraná and Santa Catarina.
- Amazonian black scorpion (Tityus obscurus) : Main cause of accidents in the northern region and Mato Grosso.
What to do in case of accidents?
If stinged, the victim should seek immediate medical care . THE antibonic serum developed to treat the poisoning caused by these animals, is available exclusively in the reference hospitals of the Unified Health System (SUS) .
If pets are chopped, they should also be taken immediately to the nearest vet . Photos of Scorpio or even collecting it in a safe container can help health professionals identify the species of arachnid causing the accident.
The inoculation of the scorpion venom is made only by the sting at the tip of the tail, called “Telson”. The venom of the scorpions of the genus Tityus is neurotoxic . Its bite causes intense pain and, in severe cases, poisoning can cause seizure, coma, bradycardia, heart failure, acute pulmonary edema and shock.
How to avoid accidents with scorpions?
According to Denise Maria Candido, biologist at the Artópods Laboratory of Butantan Institute, most dangerous Brazilian scorpions for humans are animals synanthropic that is, they adapted to live in the same environment as man.
Rubber, wood and accumulated building materials and trash attract cockroaches and other insects that make up the scorpion diet. Keeping backyards and other environments clean is an important measure to avoid the presence of scorpions . Denise also warns of the importance of sealing pipe outputs, even in apartments. Drains that have closure are also good to prevent these animals from entering the houses.
Another important information is that It has been discovered that the use of insecticides is inefficient in combating scorpions. These animals detect chemicals in the environment and are able to close their respiratory openings, not contacting the poison.
Galinhas-d’angola are vastly used in residential and rural properties in Brazil to control scorpions and other unwanted animals.
Research proves that chickens are important allies in the fight against scorpions. But its effectiveness is limited, because chickens have daytime habits and scorpions, nightly. That way, when chickens are hunting, they will only be able to eat the scorpions that are “easy access”, not predicting those who are hidden under stones, inside trunks or in pipes and pipes. It should also be remembered the importance of preserving native predators of Scorpio, such as owls, frogs and lizards .
Avoid leaving clothes thrown on the floor and always turning your shoes down and hitting before putting on help avoid accidents.
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Has this content originally published in all scorpions been dangerous? on the CNN Brazil website.
Source: CNN Brasil
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