Scorpions abroad and while traveling: are they dangerous, where do you encounter them, where can you see them?

What are scorpions?

Scorpions are carnivorous arachnids with 8 legs, but most notably they have a striking venomous stinger on the abdomen.
There are 1,500 species of scorpions distributed throughout the world.

Scorpions are often active at night, hunting mainly insects and spiders, and hide in dark places for the rest of the time.
Scorpions can be found all over the world and have a preference for dry and warm areas.

A sting from most scorpion species is harmless and similar to a bee or wasp sting.
Of the more than 2,000 scorpion species, 25 to 30 can also kill humans. Each year, these scorpions are responsible for about 3,000 deaths.
The dangerous species are found in the southern states of the US and Central America, Northern and Southern Africa, and the Middle East.
These dangerous species prefer dry and warm areas, and are recognized primarily by their thick tail (a thick tail holds more venom).
A scorpion will only sting a human with its tail if it feels attacked.

do not walk barefoot in the evening
shake out your shoes before putting them on
be careful when grabbing items in places where your hand disappears from your own field of vision

Wash the stung area thoroughly with soap and water
Keep the stung area as cool as possible with ice or cold water (to reduce pain and swelling)
Preferably do not use sedatives, but keep your head cool (too) on your own
If you have been stung by a dangerous scorpion and/or experience symptoms beyond just the stung area, contact the nearest doctor. This applies especially to symptoms such as breathing difficulties, muscle spasms, muscle weakness, difficulty swallowing, or unconsciousness
If a child is stung and received a tetanus vaccination (DTP) more than ten years ago, contact the nearest doctor

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