Cambios en la tendencia de mortalidad por alacranismo en México por zona urbana y rural 2006-2023
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Introduction: Scorpion envenomation is a public health issue in Mexico due to its high incidence. This is because the country harbors the greatest diversity of species within the genus *Centruroides* (family Buthidae), which is known for its toxicity. The aim of this study was to analyze changes in mortality trends associated with scorpion envenomation in Mexico—comparing urban and rural areas—during the 2006–2023 period. Methodology: A mixed-methods, longitudinal, retrospective ecological study was conducted, incorporating trend and geospatial analyses based on official secondary data. Trend analysis was performed by year and month; linear regression was used on the annual data to identify temporal changes. Additionally, a thematic map was created to identify states with the highest mortality rates, and a bivariate analysis was performed using Stata version 17.0. Results: A total of 580 deaths were recorded, with similar numbers among men and women. Sixty-eight percent of deaths occurred in rural areas (p < 0.05), primarily among children under 14 years of age. Sixty-two percent of the deceased had not received medical attention. The overall trend was downward, with an annual average of 31 deaths. A higher number of cases was observed between September and October, particularly in the states of Guerrero and Jalisco. Conclusions: There is a need to launch awareness and prevention campaigns regarding scorpion stings and to ensure the health sector is stocked with antivenom, especially at health centers in areas with the highest case numbers. It is also important to educate the public on how to identify scorpions and what actions to take in the event of a sting.
Source: Emergentes - Revista Científica
Language: English
Subfield: Toxicology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7203785161