Australian scorpion stings not fatal
27 June 2003
Contrary to popular belief, Australian scorpion stings do not appear to have life-threatening effects, even in children, researchers from the University of Newcastle have found.
While the stings cause severe pain for several hours, they seem to have no major systemic effects.
'Healthcare workers should be aware that scorpions do occur in Australia, but that they do not cause major envenoming,' the researchers concluded (Toxicon 2003; 41: 877-83).
'Severe localised pain may occur for a number of hours after the sting, but patients can be reassured that there is unlikely to be any other effect.'
The researchers identified 95 people who phoned or presented to Australian poison information centres or emergency departments with a confirmed scorpion sting between February 2000 and April 2002.
All experienced immediate localised pain, with 80 per cent experiencing severe pain. Pain lasted a median of 6 hours.
Other side-effects included redness, tenderness, numbness, paraesthesia (abnormal prickly sensation), nausea, headaches and malaise.
Most people were stung when they stepped on a scorpion, but they were also stung while trying to pick one up or trying to pick up an object with a scorpion on it. Most scorpion stings occurred on the lower arms or lower legs.
Last Reviewed: 30 June 2003
- 1. Medical Observer Weekly 20/6/03
