Epidemiological characteristics of scorpion sting in León, Guanajuato, México.

Poisoning with scorpion venom in the city of León, Guanajuato state, México, is a significant public health problem. The hospital of the Mexican Red Cross gave medical attention to 38,068 cases of envenomation by scorpion sting during 1981-1986; 77% of all accidents occurred among persons under 30 years of age. The 100% survival rate can be attributed to prompt serotherapy. Most stings were due to scorpions from the species Centruroides infamatus infamatus. Scorpion stings increase dramatically in the spring and are lowest during winter. The distribution of scorpions throughout the city is uniform and accidents occur at any time of day or night with no preference in regard to the sex of the affected persons. The epidemiological aspects of scorpion poisoning are emphasized.