Today there are around 1400 species of scorpions, although estimates of the exact number vary widely. All scorpions are venomous, but only a minority, twenty five or so, are potentially lethal for humans. Scorpions do not bite. Stings by scorpions are fairly common. However, most clinical reports emphasise the serious cases and systematically overestimate the danger these creatures pose. In endemic areas, after all, people donīt go to a doctor for minor stings. Fatal stings are essentially limited to Mexico, Brazil, Trinidad, northern Africa, South Africa, the Middle East and India. It is primarily children and patients suffering from a respiratory and/or cardiovascular condition who run a high risk of complications.