EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PROFILE OF SCORPION STING ACCIDENTS IN ESPÍRITO SANTO FROM 2020 TO 2024

Resumo

INTRODUCTION: Scorpion accidents represent a significant public health issue in Brazil and account for most envenomations caused by venomous animals in the state of Espírito Santo (ES). In recent years, the number of reported cases has increased substantially, mainly due to the presence of Tityus serrulatus scorpions, raising the vulnerability of risk groups. OBJECTIVE: To describe the epidemiological profile of scorpion accidents in the state of Espírito Santo from 2020 to 2024. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This is an ecological, descriptive study that analyzed scorpion accident cases reported in ES between 2020 and 2024. Data were collected from the state health surveillance system, “e-SUS VS”. Variables analyzed included: age group, sex, time from sting to medical care, case severity, seasonality, and clinical outcome. All cases reported in ES during this period were included, excluding incomplete records or those without the selected variables. RESULT AND CONCLUSION: From 2020 to 2024, ES registered 25,809 cases of scorpionism, with a 25.3% increase in cases from 2020 to 2021, and variations of less than 5% in subsequent years. The most affected age group was 20 to 59 years (62.1%; 16,028 cases). In terms of severity, 94.63% were classified as mild (24,425), 3.07% as moderate (793), and 2.18% as severe (563). Children aged 0-9 years accounted for 59.68% of severe cases (336), all recorded deaths (6), and had a 17.14% risk of developing severe cases, highlighting their increased vulnerability. The highest incidence occurred between September and November (29.54%; 7,626 cases), while the lowest was between March and May (21.39%; 5,522 cases). Given the high incidence of scorpion accidents in the general population and the greater vulnerability of children aged 0-9 years — who accounted for all deaths in the period — it is essential to reinforce proper clinical management in pediatric cases and maintain continuous monitoring of the epidemiological profile to guide more effective public health policies.