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.
Where can you encounter a scorpion while traveling?
- 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.
How dangerous is a scorpion sting?
- 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.
What should you do to avoid being stung by a scorpion?
- 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
What should you do if you have been stung by a scorpion?
- 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



















































