Epidemiological profile and faunistic aspects of scorpionism in central Morocco: Evidence from three provinces.

INTRODUCTION

Scorpion envenomation is a common acute life-threatening health problem in developing countries as Morocco, where is considered as the first cause of intoxication. The present study was designed to investigate scorpionism in three provinces located in central Morocco, namely Beni Mellal, Fquih Ben Salah, and Khouribga.

METHODS

A prospective study was conducted between 2021 and 2024 to gather epidemiological data regarding each case of scorpion sting within the study area. Field investigations were conducted to study the scorpion fauna in the studied provinces. Statistical analyses were performed using IBM-SPSS Version 21, and statistical significance was determined using a P-value <0.05. The distribution maps of the recorded species were generated using Geographic Information System (GIS) tools.

RESULTS

2206 scorpions stings were reported in the study area, with 41 cases of deaths. The highest specific mortality was recorded in the Fquih Ben Salah province (n = 20; 48.78 %). Adults are more affected (63.7 %) compared to children (36.3 %), but children exhibit a higher fatality rate (76 %). There was a positive correlation (r = 0.72) between the number of stung children and the number of individuals displaying severe envenomation symptoms (Class III). Most scorpion stings occurred inside dwellers (53 %) or in their neighbourhood (28 %). Most affected parts of the body were upper limbs (43.5 %), and lower limbs (50.5 %). The percentage of patients that use traditional remedies was significantly higher in the rural areas (P < 0.05). Four scorpion species were identified in the study area: A. mauritanicus, B. malhommei, B. paris and S. weidholzi.

CONCLUSION

Scorpionism represents an important public health in the three examined provinces, with a particular emphasis on Fquih Ben Salah province, which is recognized as a high-risk zone for scorpion sting-related fatalities. It is crucial to prioritize awareness-raising initiatives, especially in rural regions.