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SCORPIONS OF MEDICAL IMPORTANCE.

15.03.02: THESE PAGES ARE UNDER CONSTRUCTION!!

Scorpions are infamous for their sting and venoms, and have in the general public a reputation as dangerous killers. All scorpions have venom, but the danger of scorpions is exaggregated. Some species do indeed pose a danger to the public, especially children, old peoples and persons with a impaired imunesystem. But the majority of the 1270 to 1300 known species in the world have no medical significance.

The aim of these pages is to present a list of species that have a documented medical significance, and present short information sheets about these species. This is an ongoing project, and more species will be added in the time to come.

Treatment information presented in these pages are cited from the medical literature, I have not done any evaluation of the effency of the presented treatments. Some parts of the treatment of scorpion stings are under discussion, and the reccomened treatment option might vary from those presented in old literature. The information presented by me should be used as a guide to scorpionism and the literature, and not as reccomedation for actual treatment. Severe scorpions stings should always be treated by physicians!

SCORPIONS OF MEDICAL IMPORTANCE: LIST OF DANGEROUS SPECIES.
By clicking HERE, you will find a list of species that are reported as medical significance in the literature. It is important to note that this list is not exhaustive. Species not mentioned in this list might pose a treat to humans. Many scorpions live in deserted areas, and have little or no contact with humans. These species might be dangerous, but stings rarly if ever happen. In addition, a lot of severe cases will not be reported in medical journals. This is especially true in the less developed countries. An additional problem is that the scorpion causing the sting is unknown, or not properly identified. It is therefore important to emphasize that the list presented here only covers species doecumented to cause moderate to severe symptoms in humans. Other species, especially species closely related to species known to be dangerous, might also pose a treat to humans.

SCORPIONS OF MEDICAL IMPORTANCE: GENERAL LITERATURE.

Keegan, H. L. 1980. Scorpions of Medical Importance. Fitzgerald Publishing. 142 pp.

Junghanss, T. & Bodio, M. 1996. Notfall-Handbuch Gifttiere. Georg Thime Verlag. 646 pp.

Bücherl, W. & Buckley, E. E. 1971. Venomous Animals and Their Venoms. Academic Press.

SCORPIONS OF MEDICAL IMPORTANCE: GENERAL LINKS
Kian Wee's excellent site on venomous scorpions!
Scott Stockwell's FAQ page for scorpion stings and venom


Jan Ove Rein (C) 2002
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University Library in Trondheim