Scorpion Stings in Saudi Arabia: An Overview

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE WORK: Scorpion sting envenomation is an important cause of morbidity and mortality among incidents caused by envenomations, especially in children and elderly, worldwide. In Saudi Arabia, it is an important issue as the climate and the desert terrain are ideal for scorpions’ habitat. The aim of this review is to emphasize on the importance of scorpion stings in Saudi Arabia and provide updates regarding scorpion types and epidemiological aspects of scorpion stings in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: Aliterature review of articles on scorpions and scorpion stings in Saudi Arabia. RESULTS: In Saudi Arabia, at least 28 species of scorpions are identified. An estimated 14,500 scorpion stings are annually documented in various regions of Saudi Arabia. Most of the cases of scorpion envenomation recover completely with treatment in Saudi Arabia. People who live in the desert terrain, such as nomads or shepherds, are the population at highest risk for scorpion stings. The highest incidence of scorpion stings is reported during the summer season. CONCLUSION: Scorpions are found to inhabit all the regions of the country. The incidence of scorpion stings in Saudi Arabia seems to be significant. However, the mortality rate is low in Saudi Arabia. There are insufficient studies regarding this topic, and as such, it is clear that there is a lack of information regarding autopsy findings of scorpion sting deaths in Saudi Arabia. (www.actabiomedica.it)