Injuries caused by the ocellate freshwater stingray Potamotrygon motoro in lacustrine communities in Eastern Amazon biome territory

Abstract

The injuries caused by freshwater stingrays are common among fishermen. The raya Potamotrygon motoro en the features a stinger with a sharp edge and serrated tips spread bilaterally, the stingers have toxins that promote vasoconstriction, causing immediate pain and ischemia. These accidents extensive and could keep victims unable to work from weeks to months. Considering the impact the injuries in riparian fishing communities’ livelihoods, this study aimed to analyze reports of envenomation caused by the freshwater stingray Potamotrygon motoro in two municipalities localizate in the Eastern Amazon biome territory (Baixada Maranhense Ramsar site) in the municipality of Penalva and Viana. The methodology consisted in analyses descriptive and transversal, troght of the application of 40 semi-structured questionnaire in artisanal fishermen in order to obtain clinical and epidemiological data related to the accidents caused for P. motoro in fissherman artisanal. Forty fishers injured by freshwater stingrays were interviewed. Pain and edema were the symptoms common to all fishermen, followed by skin necrosis (70%). Victims often adopt unusual self-treatments, based on traditional and cultural knowledge, such as the use of urine, herbs, smoke of burlap bags and human feces. The number of injuries in each fisherman varied from 2 to 4 times (50%) to up to 10 times (12.5%). The results show that injuries caused by P. motoro are frequent in Penalva and Viana, reinforcing the need for public health agencies to establish preventive educational actions and provide better qualification for health professionals to perform the appropriate treatment for the injuries.

Keywords: Animals poisonous. Fish. Occupational health. Environmental health.