Invisible threat: accidents involving venomous animals in the Central-West region of Brazil.

This study, a descriptive, retrospective and quantitative one, aimed to describe the epidemiological profile of accidents involving venomous animals in the Central-West Region of Brazil. Data from the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN) were analysed and included accidents occurring between 2013 and 2022. Data collection was conducted between November 2024 and January 2025. Descriptive statistics and linear regression were used to analyze temporal trends (R2=0.95). A total of 133,550 cases were recorded in the region, with an annual average of 13,355 cases. Goiás accounted for 45.35% of the occurrences. The majority of cases occurred among individuals aged 20-39 years (33.30%), followed by those aged 40-59 years (28.59%). Males were the most affected (57.54%), and the predominant race/color reported was mixed race (49.65%). Regarding education level, most victims had incomplete primary education (11.10%), followed by complete high school education (10.52%). In 51.08% of cases, medical assistance was provided within one hour of the accident. The foot was the most affected anatomical site (25.74%). Most cases evolved to cure (88.96%), and only 0.2% resulted in death. Scorpion stings accounted for most cases (56.30%), followed by snakebites (22.21%), except in Mato Grosso, where this pattern was reversed. Accidents involving venomous animals are on the rise in the region, with a greater impact on economically active male adults with low level of education. Most of the accidents affected the foot, were caused by scorpions, and progressed to a cure. Specific preventive and care measures are required for these priority groups.