Scorpion stings envenomation in Sudan: a retrospective study of hospital-based incidence

Abstract

AbstractScorpion stings are a common medical emergency in many parts of the world. However, no statistical records are available about the incidence of scorpion sting envenomation and related mortality rates in the Sudan. This study aimed to describe the burden in the Sudan and to highlight the most affected states. We extracted retrospective hospital-based data on scorpions’ stings envenomation for the years 2014–2018 from the annual statistical reports of the Federal Ministry of Health, Republic of the Sudan. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the extracted data and elucidate the results. A total of 129,427 people were envenomed during 2014–2018 with a mean of 25,885 cases/year. More adults were stung compared to children. However, mortality was higher among children younger than 15 years old 4.7% (186/3974) than older victims 1% (56/5371). Envenomation was more frequent in males (56%) than females (44%). The Northern state reported the highest incidence of scorpion stings (344 per 100,000 population), followed by the River Nile state (240 per 100,000 population), and Khartoum state (174 per 100,000 population). Fatalities amongst hospitalized patients were 2.6% (242/9345) with the Northern state accounting for 34% (0.8/2.3) of total fatalities reported.

Keywords

• Envenomation
• scorpion stings
• Sudan