Scorpions in Zimbabwe

There are 20 species of Parabuthus in southern Africa, found predominantly in the arid and semiarid areas. Parabuthus species have highly toxic venoms which they use to overpower their prey and drive off adversaries by stinging them. The nippers serve merely to hold their prey whilst it is being stung. The thick tail accommodates powerful muscles which ensure that the sting penetrates deeply into the victim’s body so that the venom is quickly dispersed. Parabuthus species are very aggressive and will sting readily. When disturbed, they raise their abdomens off the ground and curl their tails up tightly, ready to flick the sting forward. These scorpions may also make a hissing noise.

Five species of Parabuthus occur in Zimbabwe:

• Parabuthus granulatus
• Parabuthus kuanyamarum
• Parabuthus mossambicensis
• Parabuthus raudus
• Parabuthus transvaalicus
• Parabuthus stings

The sting causes immediate excruciating, burning pain. The pain lasts for a variable period from a few hours to one day, maybe longer. However, within an hour systemic symptoms may also occur and hospitalisation is recommended. These symptoms include:

• Raised blood pressure (P. granulatus) and pulse rate
• Increased perspiration
• Increased salivation, difficulty in swallowing and speech
• Difficulty in breathing, which is the primary cause of death
• Muscle pain and cramps
• General weakness
• Stiff gait and inability to stand and walk
• Headaches, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, urine retention
• Restlessness
• The spectrum and degree of symptoms is determined by a number of factors, including the species involved, the body mass and physical health of the victim, and the amount of venom injected. Those with lung and heart problems are at greater risk. Deaths, resulting from respiratory and/or heart failure, have occurred in Zimbabwe as a result of stings from P. transvaalicus and P. granulatus. Anti-venom is available from the South African Institute of Medical Research, Johannesburg, and should only be applied by a medical doctor. Intravenous administration of calcium gluconate is moderately effective for relief of general muscle pain and cramp, but its effect lasts for 20-30 minutes only and there is a limit to the amount that can be administered.
  Morphine and derivatives, barbiturates and meperidine, SHOULD NOT BE USED for the
  treatment of pain. These drugs induce synergistic reactions with scorpion venoms which
  greatly increase convulsions and the possibility of death.
• How to Avoid being Stung by a Scorpion:
  Wear protective footwear especially at night
  Exercise caution when lifting rocks, logs and when collecting firewood
  Do not handle scorpions with bare hands
  When camping try not to sleep directly on the ground
  Shake out footwear, clothing and bedding to expel unwanted creepy crawlies
  Learn how to distinguish a highly venomous scorpion from a harmless one and the
  area in which it occurs