Death scorpion invades Egyptian villages, burning hundreds of people

Death scorpion (Leiurus quinquestriatus).

Over the past several days, hailstorms and flooding in many areas have caused scorpions to leave their burrows and enter human habitations. As a result, hundreds of people were stung by scorpions and hospitalized. Three of them died on November 13.

It is known that most people who are bitten by a scorpion have symptoms such as severe pain, fever, sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle tremors and convulsions.

Most scorpions are neurotoxic. These neurotoxins contain small amounts of protein, sodium, and potassium cations. The scorpion uses its venom to kill or paralyze its prey; They work quite quickly and effectively.

However, scorpions are usually quite shy, so they only sting when capturing prey or defending themselves. In case of danger, scorpions often run away or stay still.

An estimated 31 species of scorpions live in Egypt including the fat-tailed scorpion in the genus Androctonus, also known as the death scorpion (Leiurus quinquestriatus). They can be found in deserts and wild bush habitats, stretching from North Africa through the Middle East.

It is considered a very dangerous species because its venom is a powerful mixture of neurotoxins, in a potentially lethal dose at low levels. In most cases, the venom from this scorpion causes severe pain but is not enough to kill a healthy adult. However, if children and frail elderly people are bitten by this species, the risk of death is very high.

Death scorpions are commonly spotted in Aswan and sting dozens of people in the area each year. About 5,000 people worldwide die each year from scorpion stings, according to a 2009 report in the journal Clinical Neurotoxicology.

Aswan city government (Egypt) has distributed more than 3,000 doses of antivenom serum, to treat the injured at local hospitals and clinics and prepare for future incidents.