Brazil has experienced a worrying increase in scorpion accidents in recent years, and cases in Acre are also increasing

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Brazil is facing a significant increase in the number of accidents involving scorpions, creating a “silent epidemic” that worries authorities and experts. Between 2014 and 2023, the country recorded a 150% increase in cases, a trend that continues: in 2025 alone, more than 126 thousand occurrences have already been confirmed by the Ministry of Health, with 148 deaths. São Paulo leads the ranking, accumulating around 28 thousand notifications.

The expansion of accidents is not just seasonal, but structural, driven by the urban behavior of scorpions, which easily adapt to environments with garbage, debris, remains of construction materials and unsealed drains. Rising temperatures also contribute to the movement of these animals, intensifying the risks.

Young children and the elderly are among the most vulnerable groups, as the poison acts quickly on more fragile or smaller organisms. In children under 5 years of age, the risk of complications is even greater, especially when there is a delay in care. The pain caused by the bite is usually intense and disproportionate to the apparent injury, a characteristic that helps to differentiate the accident from common insect bites.

The experts’ advice is to seek immediate medical attention. “Avoiding homemade measures is essential. Quick care makes all the difference”, reinforces doctor Dayanna Palmer. You should not apply ointments, alcohol, coffee, make tourniquets or try to suck out the poison. Before arriving at the hospital, it is recommended to simply wash the area with soap and water and apply a cold compress to relieve the pain.

Signs such as agitation, tremors, excessive salivation, tachycardia and difficulty breathing require urgent help, as the poison can reach the nervous system and compromise vital functions.

In addition to the national scenario, regional data also draws attention. A study that analyzed information from 2023 in the municipality of Rio Branco, capital of Acre, with collection carried out until October 2024, revealed that scorpions were responsible for 25.8% of accidents involving venomous animals in the city. The index reinforces the need for preventive actions and health education, especially in urban areas where the animal finds favorable conditions to proliferate.

To avoid accidents, it is recommended to keep yards clean, eliminate debris, seal drains, holes and cracks, avoid bedding lying on the ground, and always shake out clothes, towels and shoes before using, especially when they are on the floor or stored for long periods. As scorpions are nocturnal animals, seeking damp and dark places, small changes in daily life are essential to keep them away.