Epidemiological analysis of scorpion sting cases in Qeshm County, Hormozgan Province, Iran: A four-year retrospective study (2021-2024)

Background: Scorpion stings are a major public health issue in tropical and subtropical regions of Iran, especially in Hormozgan Province, which has a high incidence rate. This study aims to analyze the epidemiological, clinical, and therapeutic aspects of scorpion sting cases in Qeshm County over a four-year period (2021-2024). Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study analyzed hospital records of 408 scorpion sting cases. Information on demographic, temporal, geographical, clinical, and treatment factors was collected. Descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean ± SD) and analytical tests (Chi-square for categorical variables) were employed for analysis. Results: The majority of victims were male (63.7% ± 2.4%), aged 30-60 years (41.9%), and residents of rural areas (72.1% ± 2.2%). The highest frequency of stings occurred in late spring to summer (65.4% ± 2.4%) and between 18:00 to 24:00. The extremities, particularly hands (58.8% ± 2.4%) and feet (32.6% ± 2.3%), were the most common sting sites. Hemiscorpius lepturus was the most frequently identified species (37.5% ± 2.4%), while the species remained unspecified in 47.1% (± 2.5%) of cases. The primary treatment involved antivenom administration (96.3% ± 0.9%). Conclusion: In conclusion, scorpion stings in Qeshm County show specific demographic and seasonal trends that align with the broader epidemiological profile in Iran. However, there is a significant challenge in identifying the species involved in these incidents. This highlights the importance of improving diagnostic capabilities for species identification, implementing targeted public health interventions in rural areas, and ensuring a consistent supply of antivenom to effectively address this ongoing health issue.