Epidemiological profile of accidents involving venomous animals: a descriptive and time series study, Maranhão, 2014–2024
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Objective: To analyze the epidemiological profile and temporal trend of accidents involving venomous animals in Maranhão, from 2014 to 2024. Methods: , SINAN). The epidemiological profile was analyzed using absolute and relative frequencies, with incidence rates calculated by venomous animal group. Temporal trend analysis was conducted using the Prais-Winsten linear regression model to estimate the annual percent change (APC) with its 95% confidence interval (95%CI). Results: A total of 44,620 cases of accidents involving venomous animals were recorded in Maranhão. Ophidism was the most frequent (46.4%), with higher occurrence among males (76.3%), individuals aged 20 to 39 years (34.2%), those self-identified as Brown (Brazilian mixed race) (73.0%), and those with incomplete elementary education (32.4%). In the state, the temporal trend was stable for ophidism (APC 2.50; 95%CI -0.10; 5.16) and erucism (APC -0.71; 95%CI -3.67; 2.35), whereas scorpionism (APC 7.94; 95%CI 4.75; 11.23), arachnidism (APC 7.87; 95%CI 6.37; 9.40), and bee stings (APC 4.47; 95%CI 1.13; 7.92) showed increasing trends. Conclusion: Accidents involving venomous animals predominantly affected men, young individuals, those self-identified as Brown, and individuals with low educational levels. The temporal trend indicated a growing concern, particularly regarding scorpionism. Overall, the findings reinforce the need for continuous surveillance and regionally tailored public policies for prevention, integrating epidemiological, environmental, and health education actions.
Institution: Universidade Federal do Maranhão
Language: English
Subfield: Toxicology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7171386729