We have seen many scorpions, especially when living outside of Cancun. They are extremely unaggressive and will sting only if prompted or bothered. I am the only one in our family who has ever been stung by a scorpion (6 times on the chest), despite living in the southwest desert and Mexico. Yes, it hurt, like a stinging hot cigarette burn and turned very red. I am asthmatic, but didn't have a reaction. It was not a very traumatic event and did not require medical attention. Most scorpion stings are painful but not dangerous, especially in this area. The most venomous scorpions are small and pale.

Any child under the age of 6, stung by a scorpion should receive immediate medical attention. So should adults who experience any change in breathing or produce thick, ropy mucous. These danger signs will appear soon after the sting. Although it is a good idea to see a physician, it is not necessary for routine scorpion stings, which will be uncomfortable for about twenty-four hours. Fatalities are extremely rare. Almost all occur in the state of Durango, which has especially venomous scorpions.