The relationship between the scorpion sting incidents that occurred in Bodrum, Turkey, and local climatic variables: A retrospective observational study

This study aimed to assess the relationship between scorpion sting incidents that resulted in emergency department (ED) visits in Bodrum, Muğla, located in the Aegean region, and local climatic variables, from 2015 to 2023. This retrospective, single-center observational study included scorpion sting incidents that resulted in ED visits between 2015 and 2023, along with meteorological data from the Bodrum district. Meteorological variables, including maximum and minimum air temperatures, relative humidity, and seawater temperature, from 2015 to 2023, were obtained from the Turkish State Meteorological Service. All temperature values were recorded in degrees Celsius (°C), relative humidity as percentage (%), and seawater temperature in degrees Celsius. The meteorological data were collected as annual average values calculated from daily measurements throughout each year. Years exceeding the regional mean temperature of 21.2°C were classified as high-temperature years; those below this threshold were classified as low-temperature years. The relationship between changes in meteorological parameters and scorpion sting incidents was demonstrated using Pearson correlation analysis. A total of 473 scorpion sting incidents were included in the analysis. In the comparison based on the average temperature value, the average prevalence rate in years with above-average temperatures was found to be 0.21% ± 0.052%, which was significantly higher than in years with below-average temperatures (0.14% ± 0.018%, P = .014). Both the minimum temperature in the Bodrum district (Pearson r = 0.7919, P = .011) and the average temperature (Pearson r = 0.878, P < .001) were positively correlated with scorpion sting incidence. A negative correlation was found between relative humidity and incidence (Pearson r = -0.695, P = .037). No significant correlation was observed between sea temperature and incidence. Hospitalization rates were positively correlated with both minimum and average temperatures. Rising local temperatures are associated with an increase in scorpion sting incidents and may serve as an exploratory indicator for monitoring trends in scorpion sting frequency. Additionally, when appropriate meteorological data are used, this can help determine the number of antivenom vials required in EDs. However, these findings are descriptive and exploratory and should be interpreted with caution. Larger datasets and more robust analyses are needed to confirm the observed associations.