Between January and September this year, the Federal District recorded 4,212 incidents involving poisonous animals, according to the Ministry of Health (SES-DF). Scorpions were responsible for the majority of cases, as their number reached 3,556 cases, equivalent to 84.4% of the total. On average, 13 animal accidents are reported daily in the country’s capital.
As a result of these incidents, and consequently the toxic effect of the scorpion sting, 336 people required hospitalization in the Defense Forces Public Health Network by August 2025. The figure indicates an 18% increase in the number of hospitalizations compared to the same period in 2024, with 283 hospitalizations.
According to the SES-DF, about 91.9% of cases involving incidents with scorpions occurred with residents of the area. Businesswoman Michaeli Lima, 22, was surprised by the appearance of scorpions in her home. Last week alone, he found four.
“I live on rent in a shack at the back of Sector O Expansion,” says Michaeli. “Since last week, I have found scorpions. I have already found them on my bed, on my daughter’s mattress, on the ceiling and on the floor of the house.”
The businesswoman, a mother of two young children, decided to leave the hut for fear that her children would be at risk of being bitten by the poisonous animal. “It is dangerous for the children,” he comments. “The house is clean, and even though we have covered all the potholes and drains, scorpions still appear.”
Earlier this month, a 7-year-old girl was stung in the leg by a scorpion in Padre Bernardo, on the outskirts of D.F. The animal was hiding in the bed where she was sleeping.
“We took her to a hospital in Padre Bernardo, where they anesthetized the site of the bite to relieve the pain. After we discovered it was a scorpion bite, we took her to the Braslandia Regional Hospital, where the anti-scorpion serum was applied,” said receptionist Rian Camara, the girl’s stepmother.
SES-DF guidelines
The recommendation is that when a scorpion is found in the house, the resident contacts Environmental Control, via number 162, or by registering a call with the Ombudsman’s Office through the Participa DF system.
During the first nine months of this year, the Directorate of Environmental Monitoring (DEVAL) responded to 1,978 visit requests due to the appearance of scorpions.
During these procedures, professionals instruct residents on precautions such as installing seals on doors, placing grates on drains, controlling cockroaches – the main food source for scorpions – and eliminating debris and leftover building materials. These measures aim to ensure the safety of residents due to the high rate of scorpion incidents at certain times of the year.
Furthermore, it points out measures to avoid accidents, such as checking shoes, clothes and towels before using them, and moving beds and sofas away from the walls.
SES-DF seeks to work in places with the highest infection rates, through control and capture (active search) and environmental management measures. Scorpion population control and management measures are based on the removal/collection of scorpions and guidelines for modifying environmental conditions to make them unsuitable for the presence, persistence and reproduction of these animals.
I was stung by a scorpion. What should I do?
SES-DF states that in the case of a scorpion sting the recommendation is:
- Wash the bite site with soap and water to remove dirt;
- Elevate the affected limb to prevent the poison from spreading more quickly;
- Seek medical attention immediately;
- Tell us about the animal that bit you so treatment can be most effective (if possible and safe, take a photo of the animal. This can help identify you, but you need to be careful and take no risks to avoid further incidents).
If the attack was by a scorpion, spider, caterpillar or centipede, the contact numbers for Environmental Control are 160 or via email at gevapac.dival@gmail.com to schedule an inspection. After the appointment is made, a team is sent to the residence to collect found animals and inspect septic tanks, debris and other areas.
In case of emergency, immediately call the mobile emergency service (192) or the fire department (193).
The Ministry of Health also has the Samo Poison Information and Assistance Center (Ciatox), a reference in the care of poisoned patients and victims of poisonous animal accidents, which operates 24 hours a day throughout the year.
Ciatox has a multidisciplinary team of doctors, nurses and pharmacists who provide guidance to the residents of DF and the entire country. In case of emergency, call 0800-644-6774 or (61) 99288-9358.
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