Background and Objectives: Scorpion and snake envenomation is reported as the leading cause of fatalities due to venomous creatures worldwide, influenced by factors such as lifestyle, socioeconomic status, climatic conditions, native scorpion species, distribution of venomous snakes, and their prey. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiological features of snakebites and scorpion stings in the Sistan region.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive study reviewed patient records of snakebite and scorpion sting cases presenting to Amir Al-Momenin Hospital in Zabol from 2016 to 2023. Data collection was census-based, using a structured checklist, and data analysis was performed using chi-square and Fisher's exact tests.
Results: A total of 2,089 cases of snakebite and 317 cases of scorpion sting were recorded among patients during 2017-2023. The most cases of snakebite and scorpion sting were related to men, rural residents, and in July. There was a statistically significant relationship between the type of bite in 2018, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2023 with (gender, place of residence, bitten areas, and month), (age and bitten areas), (gender), (gender and age), (place of residence, bitten areas, season, and month), and (gender, age, and bitten areas), respectively (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Given the high prevalence of snakebites and scorpion stings in rural areas during warm seasons, public awareness need to be enhanced. Additionally, providing healthcare centers with anti-venom serums is critical to reducing the frequency and consequences of these incidents.
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