As if the various maladies it gives rise to weren’t bad enough, the current heatwave has provoked a spike in scorpion bites, as well.
The hot months of April, May and June often see scorpions coming into greater contact with soft, yielding human flesh (they come out of the baking earth seeking cool places, including shoes, clothing, etc.).
According to Fernando Petersen Aranguren, director of Medical Services in Guadalajara, in less than two months, 500 bites have been reported within the city’s municipal limits.
“We’re finding that it’s the areas in the eastern part of the city where cases are cropping up the most, around Tetlan, that area,” he said.
Unfortunately, this uptick in scorpion bites comes at a time when stocks of antidotes are running low, according to Marcelo Castillero Manzano of the IMSS.
But before you start running around in frenzied circles swatting your clothes, know that in 2008, 53,319 people were bitten in Jalisco but only four of these victims died. The majority of the cases occurred along the coast, where the most poisonous species of scorpion live.
If you’ve been bitten – or suspect you’ve been bitten – seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of bites include swelling, distention of the abdomen, excessive salivation and difficulty talking.
The signs appear within a few minutes after the sting, usually peaking within five hours and dissipating entirely within 24 to 72 hours.
Anti-venom is available free-of-charge at all health centers in Jalisco.