Scorpions Sting Over 1,000 in Arizona So Far This Year
by Kate Kaemerle on Jul. 15, 2011, under Nature, Wildlife
Photo courtesy of Getty Images
Nature bites. Or in the case of the scorpion, stings. So far this year over 1,000 Arizonans have felt the burn.
Scorpion stings are often painful, but the majority don’t require special medical treatment. Washing the site of the sting, applying a cool compress and elevating the sting site above heart level along with an over-the-counter painkiller usually handles the injury. The pain of the sting can last from minutes to days.
Severe symptoms can disrupt the nervous system and require immediate medical care. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, uncontrolled jerking, drooling and wild eye movements. Small children are at the highest risk of severe reactions.
If you’ve had a close encounter of the scorpion kind, call UA’s Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center at 1-800-222-1222 and describe your symptoms to the poison specialists. The Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center is located at the University of Arizona College of Pharmacy in Tucson.
For more information on scorpions, their stings and treatment visit the UA College of Pharmacy scorpions section.
