Scorpion Caution: Look before You Lay
Tara A. Spears
Scorpion sting envenomation is a major public health concern in Mexico. The scorpion may be small but deadly and visitors need to be aware of its presence. Many visitors come from colder climates where these spiders do not exist so while they may have heard about scorpions, they are not knowledgeable about the scorpion’s habits. You don’t need to curtail your activities, simply start a habit of always being vigilant after dark: flip back the bed cover, shake out clothes and shoes before putting them on. Because Jaltemba Bay is rural and has a high percentage of housing that sits vacant periodically, besides the weather changing, it will draw more scorpions indoors. Know that local doctors, such as Dr. Fernandez at Clinic San Miguel Arcangel 332 384 6440, is experienced in treating scorpion stings.
Reading a Spanish newspaper report of a recent fatality from a scorpion sting in Nayarit prompted this article. The incidence of scorpion stings envenoming in Mexico is the highest in the world with around 230 cases per 100,000 population. Although Mexican health centers and hospitals treat nearly 300,000 stings per year, an average of more than 50 deaths are reported annually. Health sector specialists say that scorpion stings occur most frequently during the night, because that is when the scorpions look for food and reproduce. Those most at risk are young children and elderly.
Mexico harbors about 294 species of scorpions distributed in eight families according to Secretaría de Salud. To date, Mexico is the country with the greatest diversity of scorpions in the world. Of the total scorpions, 21 of these species are potentially dangerous to humans with Centruroides noxius being the most lethal venom. Note that our location in Nayarit is home to the most lethal species.
IMSS explains that the main symptom of a scorpion sting is severe pain at the site of injury. When the scorpion is not dangerous, there will still be pain, swelling or redness in the area of the bite and loss of sensitivity. When the scorpion is poisonous, besides the above symptoms, the victim will present body aches, runny nose, watery eyes, fever and or difficulty breathing. If possible, bring the spider to the clinic with you for the most accurate treatment.
Tepic scientist/researcher, M.C. Carrera-Fernández explains: in mild or moderate envenoming there occurs local pain, profuse sweating, agitation, vomiting, tachycardia, and hypertension; while in severe envenoming arrhythmia, pulmonary edema, coma, and in the worst case, death within the first 24 hours of being stung. Factors that affect the severity of a person’s reaction are the amount of venom inoculated, as well as the size, weight, age, and health of the victim.
Centruoides noxius is one of the most venomous scorpions in Mexico and throughout Latin America. This species of scorpion has highly lethal neurotoxins for mammals, which attacks the sodium and potassium channels, the venom changes the functioning of nerves and muscles, to the point of the respiratory system and the heart stop working.
Now that you know the symptoms, the easiest plan of action is to reduce the scorpion’s existence in your space. I avoid using pesticides as much as possible but I still take other precautions. Basically, scorpions enter houses in search of water. Scorpions will crawl under doors, climb wall and get in through windows, and live in tiled roofs. If you’ve screened the windows and put sweeps under doors, and stopped the drains at night, and during the day, used a plug after you’ve used the sink, and caulked all small holes in the house, that is a great start. Empty the pet’s water bowl before you go to sleep. Outdoors, clear loose debris, rubble, wood, anything else they can crawl under, such as compost heaps, rocks. Prune shrubbery, and if you have grass, mow it and keep it mowed. Leave nightlights on in bathrooms. Shake those patio cushions before you sit down.
Enjoy your stay in beautiful Mexico! Have fun doing your normal activities, just make it a habit to shake and look before using towels, clothes, shoes -and you’ll be fine.
