Topic 5 – Scorpions:

SCORPIONS

Are all scorpions poisonous?

Yes!  All species of scorpion are poisonous.  If you are an insect the venom from scorpions is neurotoxic.

Some components in scorpion venom appear to have no other function than to cause localized pain or discomfort in the victim.

SCORPIONS

• Western and Southern Africa – Parabuthus spp.
• Across Southern Africa to Southeast Asia –
  Buthotus spp. (also known as Hottentotta)

Above mentioned is fatal to potentially fatal.

MORE POISONOUS: THICK TAIL/SMALL PINCHERS

LESS POISONOUS: THIN TAIL/LARGE PINCHERS

COMMON SYMPTOMS OF A SCORPION STING

• Pain, tingling or burning sensation at the sting site
• Sweating, nausea and vomiting
• Numbness
• Muscle twitching
• Abnormal neck, eye and head movements/twitching
• Heart palpitations
• Breathing difficulties may occur
• Blurring of consciousness
• Unconsciousness
• Convulsions
• Fall in blood pressure
• Shock
• The threat of death

Local treatment:

• Use ice bags to reduce pain and to slow the absorption of venom via vasoconstriction. This is most effective during the first 2 hours following the sting.
• Immobilize the affected part in a functional position below the level of the heart to delay venom absorption.
• Calm the patient to lower the heart rate and blood pressure, thus limiting the spread of the venom.
• Apply a topical or local anaesthetic agent to the wound to decrease sensation of tingling, pricking, or numbness of the skin.
• Administer local wound care and topical antibiotic to the wound.
• Seek medical attention immediately.