[Scorpion stings in sub-Saharan Africa].
Scorpionism in Sub-Saharan Africa is a poorly known problem but regarded as a public health preoccupation in several countries, especially Niger. The lack of knowledge of this question is due to non-existent information concerning mainly the composition of the scorpion fauna in Sub-Saharan areas, the distribution and density of dangerous species and the frequency and severity of scorpion stings in the Sub-Saharan areas. Until now, only the presence of Leiurus quinquestriatus and its involvement in fatal accidents have been attested to. In many areas, the presence of other classically dangerous species has not been confirmed, nor the dangerous potential of certain species belonging for example to the genera Androctonus. Buthus or Hottentota. The efficacy of prevention, treatment and scorpion control depend necessarily on further study of the fauna and medical investigations. Such studies are entirely feasible.
Goyffon
M
M
Laboratoire d'études et de recherches sur les arthropodes irradiés (LERAI), Muséum national d'histoire naturelle, 57 rue Cuvier, 75005 Paris, France. mgoyffon@cimrs1.mnhn.fr
D017954:Africa South of the Sahara / Q000453:epidemiology; D000818:Animals; D000997:Antivenins; D006801:Humans; D010571:Pest Control / Q000379:methods; D011156:Population Density; D011159:Population Surveillance; D011634:Public Health; D065008:Scorpion Stings / Q000145:classification / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D012604:Scorpion Venoms; D012605:Scorpions / Q000145:classification; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
D000997:Antivenins; D012604:Scorpion Venoms