Morocco Raises Alert Against Scorpion Stings, Snakes Bites

Rabat – Morocco’s Ministry of Health has warned of the risk of scorpion stings and snake bites during the summer season.

The ministry issued a press release with a set of recommendations, warning parents of the risk of scorpion stings and snake bites, particularly among children.

The ministry acknowledged the increase in cases of scorpion and snake bites in some regions, especially in remote areas.

People were warned not to put their hands into pits or sit on grassy areas or rock strewn places.

The ministry also asked citizens and residents to wear shoes and protective clothings.

The statement also asked citizens to avoid collecting firewood at night.

Furthermore, weeding is necessary near residential areas to prevent scorpions and snakes from proliferating.

The ministry called on citizens to seek treatment at the nearest emergency room and nearest hospital in the event of a scorpion sting and snake bite.

“Any delay has negative consequences and reduces the effectiveness of the therapeutic intervention”, the ministry warned.

The statement emphasized the use of traditional techniques, including the use of chemical treatments or herbs among others, could have serious consequences.

However, citizens in remote areas have often raised complaints regarding the lack of medical facilities in rural areas.

In response to the citizen’s concerns, the ministry has provided emergency numbers in the statement in which citizens can contact in case they have an emergency.

“For any emergency, you must call the National Center for Poison Control and Pharmacovigilance on this number 0801000180.”

Morocco registers more than 25,000 cases of poisoning by scorpion stings and over 350 cases of poisoning by snake bites.

The ministry suggested that the national strategy to face such challenges “made it possible to lower” the death rate linked to scorpion stings, which fell from 2.37% in 1999 to 0.16% in 2019.”

The ministry enabled a significant drop in the rate of scorpion stings; the percentage of deaths due to snakebites increased from 44.3% in 2015 to 2% in 2019, the ministry added.