EFFECT OF SEASONAL CHANGES ON SCORPION POISON

Abstract

Aim: The incidence of scorpion stings is significantly influenced by seasonal weather patterns, with climate variables playing a crucial role in the prevalence of scorpionism. The rationale behind conducting this study is the dearth of literature examining the relationship between scorpion envenomation and climate and weather conditions. Materials and Methods: This study consists of scorpion envenomation patients who applied to the emergency department of a tertiary university hospital between 01.01.2023 and 31.12.2023. The study recorded the weather conditions of patients on the days they were admitted to the hospital. The data collected included daily average air temperature (in Celsius), dew point (in Celsius), humidity (as a percentage), weather condition (fair, cloudy, windy, or rainy), wind speed (in rpm), pressure (in inches) obtained via the API where previous data is stored, and precipitation (in inches). Results: 87 of the patients who applied to the emergency department in 2023 applied due to scorpion stings and the prevalence was determined as 0.023%. While the average temperature of the 50 days in which scorpion stings were detected was 27.78±5.96, the average temperature of the days in which no scorpion stings were observed was determined as 21.27±7.88 and the average temperature was observed to be significantly higher on the days in which scorpion stings were observed (p<0.001). In the comparison made according to the seasons, it was determined that 46% of the scorpion sting cases were seen in the autumn season, while 34% were observed in the winter months. Conclusion. Climate change may increase the risk of being stung by scorpion envenomation. Scorpion activity is affected by weather conditions.