Acidentes por Arraias na vila balneária de Alter do Chão: análise dos casos, distribuição espacial e perfil das vítimas

Abstract

Stingrays (Chondrichthyes – Potamotrygonidae) are freshwater vertebrates that have 1 to 3 dentin stingers, located at the base of the tail. The stinger is covered by an integumentary sheath, which contains mucous venom glands. Accidents caused by stingrays are commonly reported throughout the Amazon basin and generally happen when people step on the animal's back, which was hidden under the sand. In the resort town of Alter do Chão, Santarém (PA), accidents are frequently reported, always with a higher incidence in the Amazonian summer period (September to January), the period when the Tapajós River is low. The objective of this study was to verify the number, locations and profiles of victims injured by stingrays in the resort of Alter do Chão. A quantitative survey of data was carried out in records in the occurrence book of the emergency health unit (UPA) in the village of Alter do Chão, during the period from 2010 to 2019. The records accessed in the UPA are those existing in the control books patient entry, and the majority of registered victims are residents of the district themselves. Data was collected from 587 accidents, and of all these, 40% were residents, 19% bathers from Santarém and the region, 33% tourists and 8% others. In terms of age, the highest recorded cases are 11 to 20 years old (24%) and 21 to 30 years old (26%). While the most common place for incidents to occur is around the edge of the village, and the heels and feet are the parts of the body most affected by the animal. It is important to raise awareness among the local population and visitors to the village of Alter do Chão about the possible dangers hidden in the waters of the Tapajós River, so that they can be more careful and attentive when entering the water to avoid accidents with the animal.