SCORPION STINGS IN CHILDREN AGED 1 TO 9 YEARS IN SÃO PAULO STATE, BRAZIL, FROM 2013 TO 2022

Abstract

Scorpion stings are a public health problem, especially among children. To date, no studies have been found that focused on the pediatric population in the state of São Paulo, especially after 2019. Therefore, the present study focused on describing the prevalence of scorpion stings in children in the state of São Paulo between 2013 and 2022. An ecological study of temporal analysis, using data available in SINAN/DATASUS between 2013 and 2022. Between 2013 and 2022, 18,632 cases of scorpion stings were reported in the state, in children aged 1 to 9 years, representing an increase of 260.3% during the 10 years covered. Children aged 1 to 4 years led the number of deaths due to the disease (38% = 37 cases) throughout the period. However, the lethality calculated annually remained constant. Overall, 5.17% (37) and 5.09% (26) of children aged 1 to 4 and 5 to 9 years who had serious conditions died, respectively. It is important to emphasize that the lethality of scorpion stings appears to vary according to the severity of the condition presented by the child and that the waiting time to receive medical care can affect the outcome of treatment.