By John Ikani
Three people have died and 450 others were injured after being stung by scorpions in the city of Aswan.
The scorpions were flushed out of their hiding places into into streets and homes by heavy storms on Friday.
A spokesman for the Health Ministry told newsmen that scorpions are regularly washed into the streets by heavy rain, while snakes have also been disturbed.
According to the spokesman, the storm also caused power cuts and led many lighting columns and trees in the streets to fall.
He added that extra doses of anti-venom have been provided to medical centres in villages near mountains and deserts.
In the meantime, hospitals across the region are on high alert, doctors have been recalled from holiday and extra supplies of anti-venom have been distributed.
The Governor of Aswan, Ashraf Attia, has urged people to stay at home and avoid places with trees.
It is worthwhile to note that Egypt is home to fat-tailed scorpions that are among the most deadly in the world. Venom from a black fat-tail can kill humans in under an hour.
Symptoms related to widespread venom effects can include difficulty breathing, muscle twitching and unusual head movements.
Anti-venom is used as a preventative measure before symptoms arise, but can also work once symptoms start to worsen.
