Scorpionism in the far south of Bahia, Brazil, 2010-2017: case profile and factors associated with severity^*

Abstract

Objective:

to describe the epidemiological profile of scorpionism and to investigate factors associated with case severity in the Far South of Bahia, Brazil.

Methods:

this was a descriptive study using data on scorpion accidents reported on the Notifiable Health Conditions Information System (SINAN) from 2010 to 2017; odds ratios (OR) were calculated to investigate factors associated with severe cases.

Results:

3,055 cases were reported, of which 411 (13.5%) were severe and included 10 deaths; highest incidence occurred in 2017 (1.3 per 1,000 inhabitants); cases predominated in rural areas (62.5%), among males (70.1%), those aged 20-49 years (51%), and Black people (84%); 22.7% of those stung received serotherapy; severe cases were more frequent among children under 15 years old (OR=3.26; 95%CI 2.55;4.74), and people stung in rural areas (OR=1.40; 95%CI 1.10;1.78).

Conclusion:

scorpionism incidence increased; case severity was associated with younger people and occurrence in rural areas.

Keywords:
Epidemiology, Descriptive; Neglected Diseases; Scorpion Stings