Suspected stonefish (Synanceia verrucosa) envenomation on Reunion Island
Dublin Core
Title
Suspected stonefish (Synanceia verrucosa) envenomation on Reunion Island
Subject
Stonefish, Indian ocean, Synanceia verrucosa, Poisson-pierre, Pain
Description
Abstract
Introduction Envenomations induced by stonefish (Synanceia verrucosa) stings are among the most painful
envenomations in the marine environment. Reunion Island in the Indian Ocean is not spared from these
envenomations. The aim of this series is to characterize suspected cases of stonefish envenomation and to describe
the associated clinical management.
Methods This is a retrospective observational series of suspected stonefish envenomations recorded into the
database of the Indian Ocean toxicovigilance Department between 1 January 2020 and 2 June 2024 on Reunion
Island. Data on clinical characteristics were obtained from the patients’ electronic medical records, and additional
information was obtained during telephone conversations with the victims if necessary.
Results Between January 2020 and June 2024, 135 stonefish envenomations were recorded. Most victims were
male, with a median age of 31.5 years. January recorded the highest number of cases. The majority of envenomations
occurred on beaches, notably l’Ermitage (66 cases) and Saint-Pierre (39 cases), with the foot being the most affected
area (94.8%). The pain was intense for most cases (Visual Analogue Scale 8–10), and skin symptoms included
localized and extensive oedema, as well as necrotic halos in some instances. General symptoms like hypertension
and paresthesia were rare. No fatalities occurred. Treatment involved opioids, paracetamol, and hot water immersion.
Our findings demonstrated a statistically significant correlation between the number of stings and the extent of
edema (p<0.00003). However, no significant relationship was found between the number of stings and pain intensity
(p=0.86).
Conclusions On Reunion Island, approximately 30 suspected stonefish stings occur annually, with a peak in January
and frequent locations including l’Ermitage and Saint-Pierre. These envenomations mainly affect the foot and cause
intense pain, sometimes accompanied by significant oedema correlated with the number of stings. While no deaths
were recorded, emergency care is often necessary. In the absence of official guidelines, locoregional anaesthesia
appears to be an effective strategy for pain relief.
Highlights
• Around 30 suspected stonefish stings occur each year on Reunion Island
• Pain is the main reason for visits to emergency departments
• Locoregional nerve block anaesthesia appears to be an effective solution to intense pain
Introduction Envenomations induced by stonefish (Synanceia verrucosa) stings are among the most painful
envenomations in the marine environment. Reunion Island in the Indian Ocean is not spared from these
envenomations. The aim of this series is to characterize suspected cases of stonefish envenomation and to describe
the associated clinical management.
Methods This is a retrospective observational series of suspected stonefish envenomations recorded into the
database of the Indian Ocean toxicovigilance Department between 1 January 2020 and 2 June 2024 on Reunion
Island. Data on clinical characteristics were obtained from the patients’ electronic medical records, and additional
information was obtained during telephone conversations with the victims if necessary.
Results Between January 2020 and June 2024, 135 stonefish envenomations were recorded. Most victims were
male, with a median age of 31.5 years. January recorded the highest number of cases. The majority of envenomations
occurred on beaches, notably l’Ermitage (66 cases) and Saint-Pierre (39 cases), with the foot being the most affected
area (94.8%). The pain was intense for most cases (Visual Analogue Scale 8–10), and skin symptoms included
localized and extensive oedema, as well as necrotic halos in some instances. General symptoms like hypertension
and paresthesia were rare. No fatalities occurred. Treatment involved opioids, paracetamol, and hot water immersion.
Our findings demonstrated a statistically significant correlation between the number of stings and the extent of
edema (p<0.00003). However, no significant relationship was found between the number of stings and pain intensity
(p=0.86).
Conclusions On Reunion Island, approximately 30 suspected stonefish stings occur annually, with a peak in January
and frequent locations including l’Ermitage and Saint-Pierre. These envenomations mainly affect the foot and cause
intense pain, sometimes accompanied by significant oedema correlated with the number of stings. While no deaths
were recorded, emergency care is often necessary. In the absence of official guidelines, locoregional anaesthesia
appears to be an effective strategy for pain relief.
Highlights
• Around 30 suspected stonefish stings occur each year on Reunion Island
• Pain is the main reason for visits to emergency departments
• Locoregional nerve block anaesthesia appears to be an effective solution to intense pain
Creator
Adrien Maillot1* , Adrien Marteau2
, Gaël Le Roux3 , Flore Weisse4
, Luc de Haro5 , Olivier Maillard6 and
Férial Abi Nader7
, Gaël Le Roux3 , Flore Weisse4
, Luc de Haro5 , Olivier Maillard6 and
Férial Abi Nader7
Date
2025
Contributor
Peri Irawan
Format
pdf
Language
english
Type
text
Files
Collection
Citation
Adrien Maillot1* , Adrien Marteau2
, Gaël Le Roux3 , Flore Weisse4
, Luc de Haro5 , Olivier Maillard6 and
Férial Abi Nader7, “Suspected stonefish (Synanceia verrucosa) envenomation on Reunion Island,” Repository Horizon University Indonesia, accessed April 16, 2026, https://repository.horizon.ac.id/items/show/13237.