Deadly Scorpion Stings on the Rise in Morocco, Children Most at Risk

According to data from the Regional Directorate of Health and Social Protection of Marrakech-Safi, some 92 cases of scorpion stings were recorded from January to May 2023, including three deaths (Amine, Bilal and Rayane) in the province of El Kelâa des Sraghna, one of the regions most affected by this phenomenon with 20% of the total number of deaths due to a scorpion sting.

Scorpion stings are common in the province, especially in summer. "My child [...] was the victim of a scorpion sting and we rushed him to the CHP Essalama, where he was admitted, immediately, to the pediatric department since last Saturday. Thanks to God and the kindness and proven professionalism of the medical and paramedical team of the hospital, my son is now in good health," says Nezha, Adam’s mother, to SNRT News, urging parents to be more vigilant during this summer period.

Awareness is necessary during this sensitive period when it is strongly advised to avoid walking barefoot and to check shoes and clothing before use. As part of the National Strategy to Combat Scorpion Stings, an awareness session on the dangers of scorpion stings, led by Jaafar Oussoulous, head of General Affairs and Communication at the Provincial Delegation of Health and Social Protection in El Kelaâ des Sraghna, was organized in the health center of the rural commune of Ouled Zarrad.

These awareness-raising actions have contributed to significantly reducing the number of scorpion sting cases, from thousands in 2001 to hundreds of cases in recent years. These sessions, which started in May, will continue until the end of the year, Oussoulous said. Awareness focuses on prevention and control methods, gestures and protocols to follow in case of a scorpion sting, and things not to do, explains Younès Lakrik, the Provincial Delegate of Health and Social Protection in El Kelaâ des Sraghna.