Scorpion stings in Qassim, Saudi Arabia--a 5-year surveillance report.

We reviewed and analyzed 5-year (1999-2003) surveillance data of scorpion stings in Qassim, Saudi Arabia. A total of 6465 scorpion sting cases were notified. Male-to-female ratio for scorpion stings was 1.9:1. The mean age for cases was 23+/-17 years and 3079 (47.8%) cases were between the ages of 11 and 30 years. The scorpion stings had a higher incidence in the months of May-October. This information is beneficial for health education and prevention of scorpion sting cases.