The Impact of Climatic Factors on Spatial Distribution of Scorpion Stings in Ardabil Province, North-West of Iran; 2012 - 2017

Background: Scorpion sting is a major health threatening problem in the world, while most victims in Iran are children. Identification of high-risk areas for scorpion stings and dispersal areas map can help to control, prevent, and take effective measures in a timely manner. Objectives: The current study aimed at investigating the scorpion stings and determining the distribution status and spatial analysis in Ardabil Province, North-West of Iran. Methods: The current cross sectional study collected the routine human scorpion stings information from health houses, healthcare centers, and hospitals of Ardabil Province from 2012 to 2017 in standard epidemiological surveillance forms. The current study employed Arc GIS 10.2.3 and the space map projection to provide spatial distribution maps of high-risk areas for scorpion stings. Results: Eight hundred fifteen cases of scorpion stings from all 10 counties of Ardabil Province were reported. During the study period, there was direct significant relationship between the increase of scorpion sting cases and temperature, as with 3°C average annual temperature increase, the incidence rate of scorpion sting increased from 5.45/100,000 in 2012 to 16.32/100,000 in 2017. Two hot zones of scorpion stings were detected in Khalkhal and Germi counties; the Southern and Northern areas of the province, respectively. Conclusions: According to the current study findings, there were some hot zones of scorpion stings in Southern and Northern areas of the province. In addition, since the increase of temperature and reduction of rainfall and humidity coincide with the increase of scorpion stings, it is expected that with the increase of temperature in the next years with regard to the global warming phenomenon, scorpion stings also increase in this province.