The spread of scorpions in the city of Amuda during the heat wave that swept Syria

Yekiti Media

The city of Amuda and its countryside have recently experienced a severe heat wave that hit most areas in Syria, with temperatures reaching very high levels, making daily life more difficult and prompting residents to seek ways to alleviate the heat. With this hot weather, another another problem that has caused concern among residents, namely the increased appearance of scorpions in neighborhoods and homes, especially in villages and open areas.

This year is different from previous years. With rising temperatures and increased scorpion activity, the municipality has not distributed any insecticides, as it did during this period in previous years, when residents received insecticides free of charge, which previously helped reduce the spread of insects and reptiles.

Fatima, a woman from the Amuda countryside, spoke about these concerns, saying that she sees scorpions almost daily, both inside and around her home, and that she has become afraid to let her children play outside, especially with the lack of insecticide distribution. She added that the situation is completely different this year and that anxiety has become part of their daily lives.

Ms. Zainab, a resident of Amuda , says that although she lives in an apartment on the third floor, she has seen a number of scorpions inside her home, which has made her very anxious and careful to check every corner of her home before going to sleep.

Mr. Saeed Ibrahim, a resident of Amuda, spoke to Yekiti Media after his son was stung by a scorpion a few days ago. He said that the experience was terrifying and that he rushed his son to the hospital, where he was saved in time. Fortunately, there were no complications, but he confirmed that he is still afraid and that he now sleeps on the roof of his house with his children to avoid scorpion stings, even though the house is equipped with solar power. He added that scorpions have become more active due to the high temperatures and lack of rain.

Medical sources at Amuda Hospital reported that several cases of scorpion stings had been recorded during this period. The victims were treated quickly without major complications, but doctors warn of the dangers of delaying medical attention, especially for children, the elderly, and people with allergies.

In the absence of official support, residents resort to simple preventive measures such as cleaning their homes regularly, sealing cracks and holes in walls, floors, and windows, and using strong lights at night to repel insects and reptiles. Some residents also advise wearing shoes inside the house and not walking barefoot in the yard or garden.

Residents in Amouda and its countryside continue to protect their homes and children from scorpions in their own ways, hoping that the heat wave will subside and the danger posed by these reptiles will diminish as the weather improves.

In the same context, a person bitten by a snake needs immediate medical attention at a doctor’s clinic or health center to receive emergency treatment with antivenom, which costs between $10 and $13. The patient needs to remain under observation for about 5 hours to avoid complications from the bite or side effects from the serum injection.

It should be noted that the spread of scorpions in the summer is not limited to the Amouda area, but is widespread in most areas, especially in villages and mud houses.