Veraguas Girl Dies in Panama from a Scorpion Sting

A tragedy has shaken the province of Veraguas. A girl died from a scorpion sting in the town of Río Luis, north of the district of Santa Fe, according to the Ministry of Health (Minsa).   Despite her family’s swift action to seek medical attention, the child did not survive.  The incident occurred around 5:00 p.m. in the community of Quebrada Larga, in the Calovéborita sector, a difficult-to-access area. The family, desperate, managed to reach the Río Luis Health Center at 8:20 p.m. seeking help; however, this facility only operates until 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and on weekends until 3:00 p.m.  Juana Bernal, regional deputy director of health, explained that upon arriving at the health center, the protocol with the regional Ambulance Coordination Center was activated.

The center’s ambulance had previously left at 7:02 p.m. to urgently transport two patients to the Dr. Luis “Chicho” Fábrega Regional Hospital.  Since there was no ambulance available, arrangements were made with the family to continue the transfer in a private vehicle, with the intention of meeting up with the Santa Fe Health Center ambulance along the way. The child would then be transferred to an ALPHA ambulance, which would take her to the hospital. Unfortunately, the child died en route, near the area known as La Herradura. For his part, Ricardo Chong, head of Epidemiology for the Veraguas Health Region, confirmed that all health facilities in the province have anti-scorpion serum.  He also called on the public to strengthen preventive measures, such as keeping homes clean and dry and carefully inspecting clothing and footwear before using them.  Among the recommendations offered to the population are:

– Keep homes clean and dry.

– Carefully check clothing, footwear, towels and beds before using them.

-Seek immediate medical attention for any suspicious bite.