Scorpions Found in Sterilization Center at São Paulo Hospital
Scorpions have been discovered within the Central Material and Sterilization Unit of São Paulo Hospital, an institution managed by the Federal University of São Paulo (Unifesp) in the southern zone of the city. Employees reported the issue, and the hospital administration confirmed the findings. Video evidence captured by staff shows two scorpions on the floor of the room, later seen contained in receptacles after being caught. According to employee accounts, these animals have been appearing since March of this year, reportedly falling from the ceiling of the room. This week alone, three scorpions were found in the area. The hospital stated that the scorpions were located in a vacant room that is currently closed off for renovations, with completion anticipated by the end of the year. No incidents of stings or any harm to staff or patients have been reported. However, employees expressed concern about scorpions potentially appearing in other hospital areas and the risk of contamination to sterilized materials. São Paulo Hospital is a major referral center for the Unified Health System (SUS), handling complex cases. Following the discovery, the hospital conducted a new pest control treatment and inspected the ceiling of the affected area on Thursday, May 16th. While access to the sterilization unit has been partially restored, the specific room where the scorpions were found remains closed. Statewide data indicates nearly 53,000 scorpion-related incidents in São Paulo in 2025, with three fatalities recorded in the state so far in 2026.
The presence of scorpions in a hospital's sterilization unit, particularly one handling high-complexity cases within the public health system, raises significant concerns about environmental control and potential risks to patient safety and material integrity. While the hospital has implemented immediate remediation measures, including pest control and inspections, the recurring nature of the sightings since March suggests a persistent environmental vulnerability. The situation highlights the critical importance of robust infrastructure maintenance and proactive pest management protocols in healthcare facilities, especially in regions with high incidence of scorpion activity, as indicated by state statistics. Future efforts should focus on systemic solutions to prevent recurrence, ensuring that renovations and ongoing maintenance address potential entry points and habitats for pests, thereby safeguarding the sterile environment essential for patient care and public trust.
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