Q&A: Silent scorpion-sting epidemic in Brazil driven by urbanization and climate change

Q&A: Silent scorpion-sting epidemic in Brazil driven by urbanization and climate change

Prof Eliane Candiani Arantes heads the Laboratory of Animal Toxins at the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirao Preto, University of São Paulo (USP) where her group is working with toxins found in the venom of the Crotalus durissus terrificus rattlesnake and the Tityus serrulatus scorpion. They also study the venoms of scorpions from the Amazon region, which are still not well understood.

The exponential growth of scorpi peaks is on the onsets in brazil concerned and was considered "a secret epidemic" not to be published in an opinion article published in this Thursday (8) in the journal Frontiers. Killed by Brazilian researchers, the article defends the development of measures to prevent the increase in accidents by these animals. Read more (05/09/2025

Rapid and unplanned urban growth allows scorpions to thrive.

Scorpions can invade homes quietly and represent a serious risk, especially for children and animals. In more hot and wet regions, the appearance of these arachnides increases, making it essential to adopt preventive measures.

Scientists are sounding the alarm that scorpions are "taking over" cities in Brazil, as they point out that rapid urbanization and climate change are leading to an increase in the number of people who...More...

Scorpions ‘taking over’ Brazilian cities with reported stings rising 250%

Fast and unplanned growth of cities providing ideal conditions for the creatures to thrive, say researchers.