Geographic Distribution of Scorpion Exposures in the United States, 2010-2015

To determine the geographic distribution of scorpion envenomations in the United States by zip code, with particular attention to the neurotoxic Centruroides sculpturatus (Arizona bark scorpion), for which an antivenom is available. We obtained scorpion exposure cases for 2010 to 2015 from the Natio...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:American journal of public health (1971) 2017-12, Vol.107 (12), p.1958-1963
Main Authors: Kang, A Min, Brooks, Daniel E
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
AJPH Research
Annual reports
Antivenins
Antivenom
Bark
Bites and Stings - epidemiology
Bites and Stings - prevention & control
Bites and Stings - therapy
Census of Population
Censuses
Centruroides sculpturatus
Education
Epidemiology
Exposure
Geographic distribution
Geographic Information Systems
Geographical distribution
Health care
Health care industry
Health Education
Humans
Incidence
Injury/Emergency Care/Violence
Neurotoxicity
Nystagmus
Population
Postal & delivery services
Postal codes
Public health
Public schools
Remote sensing
Scorpion Venoms - poisoning
Software
Toxicity
United States - epidemiology
Venom
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Summary:To determine the geographic distribution of scorpion envenomations in the United States by zip code, with particular attention to the neurotoxic Centruroides sculpturatus (Arizona bark scorpion), for which an antivenom is available. We obtained scorpion exposure cases for 2010 to 2015 from the National Poison Data System. Using geographic information systems software, we mapped total exposures and incidence rates for 9 states that reported more than 100 annual calls. We also mapped cases that reported fasciculations and nystagmus (unique to C. sculpturatus among native scorpions). The highest exposure incidences occurred in Phoenix (up to 677 per 100 000 population) and Tucson (584), both in Arizona. Elsewhere, high incidences were found in El Paso, Texas (213); Oklahoma City (209) and Tulsa (178), Oklahoma; and Las Vegas, Nevada (170). Fasciculations and nystagmus were reported in Arizona and southeastern Nevada, with small numbers in surrounding states, including Utah. Scorpion exposures occurred at baseline rates throughout many of the southern states, whereas several states reported effects indicative of Arizona bark scorpion envenomation. Public Health Implications. Public and health care provider education, as well as the stocking of antivenom, should be targeted based on these findings.
ISSN:0090-0036
1541-0048
DOI:10.2105/AJPH.2017.304094