Jessica Daniela Bernal Espinoza, 19, was stung while planting trees. She was taken to the Green Cross in Zapopan but died of acute pulmonary edema on Tuesday.
While scorpion stings are common here, they are rarely deadly. Of the 200,000-plus stings reported each year in Mexico, less than one percent result in fatalities.
Jalisco is often the state with the highest annual tally of scorpion stings and the months of May and June are considered peak season. Although rare in Guadalajara, alacranes are a particularly common sight in the lakeside area.
Scorpions are shy, nocturnal creatures which only attack humans if they feel threatened. Daytime stings usually happen when they are disturbed in the cool, dark places where they tend to hide.
If stung, remain calm, apply ice and try to restrict blood flow around the wound. Seek rapid medical attention. All Jalisco health centers are equipped with the necessary anti-venom, available to everyone free of charge.Symptoms may be as mild a localized pain and inflammation or as grave as convulsions, temporary blindness and cardiac arrest. The signs appear within a few minutes after the sting, usually peaking within five hours and dissipating entirely within 24 to 72 hours.
Preventing scorpion stings
- Do not walk barefoot around the house.
- Always shake out shoes, towels and clothing before putting them on.
- Check bedding that has not been used recently.
- Fumigate regularly with specific pesticides if scorpions become a persistent problem in the home.