Maranhão records almost 1,200 accidents with scorpions in the 1st half of the year; Ferries lead cases Reproduction/Disclosure Maranhão recorded 1,199 notifications of accidents caused by scorpions between January and June this year, a 12% reduction compared to the same period in 2025, when 1,362 cases were recorded, according to data from the Notifiable Diseases Information System (Sinan/Datasus). According to the State Department of Health (SES), two of the accidents recorded in the period were classified as serious. Despite this, there have been no deaths related to scorpion stings. The municipality of Balsas leads the number of notifications, with 90 cases registered in the first six months of 2026. Next comes Coelho Neto, with 72 records; Buriti, with 71; Grajaú, with 70; Caxias, with 58; and Timon, with 41 notifications. ? Click here and subscribe to the g1 Maranhão channel on WhatsApp. Coroatá is also among the municipalities with the highest number of cases, with 28 records; Barra do Corda, with 27; Lagoa do Mato, with 24; and São Luís, also with 24 notifications. According to SES, continuous surveillance, prevention and assistance actions are carried out for victims of accidents with venomous animals throughout the state. The measures include epidemiological monitoring of cases reported by municipalities, training of health professionals to diagnose and care for patients and monitoring the availability and distribution of antivenom serum in reference units. The secretariat also informed that it provides technical support to municipalities to strengthen surveillance and prevention actions, in addition to developing educational activities aimed at the population. How to avoid the presence of scorpions? To reduce the risk of accidents, SES recommends keeping backyards and areas close to homes clean, avoiding the accumulation of debris, remains of construction materials, dry leaves and trash. The population must also seal gaps in walls, doors and drains, places that can serve as shelter or allow animals to enter homes. Another guideline is to shake out clothes, shoes, towels and bedding before use, especially when these objects are stored or close to the floor. What to do in case of a bite? In case of a scorpion sting, the recommendation is to immediately seek the nearest health unit for medical evaluation. The SES warns that home procedures or treatments should not be carried out, as these practices can worsen the victim's health condition and delay adequate care. When there is a medical indication, treatment with antiscorpion or antiarachnid serum is made available free of charge by the Unified Health System (SUS) in reference units. Early care is considered essential to avoid complications, especially among children, the elderly and people with comorbidities.