Hurricane Helene certainly brought unwanted floods to North Carolina, but it also stirred up a buzz about stinging insects. The storm's flooding disrupted yellow jacket and bee nests, causing them to swarm and sting people who were trying to recover. This led to a surge in requests for medication to protect those allergic to stings. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services stepped in, buying Benadryl and epinephrine injections to distribute through hospitals and health centers. Even the humanitarian aid group Direct Relief sent over 2,000 EpiPen injections to local clinics and pharmacies.

"This storm's aftermath has been a bit overwhelming," said Alycia Clark, Direct Relief's chief pharmacy officer. Most of the stings were experienced by outdoor workers like electricians, who were busy restoring power lines. Luckily, pharmacists in the state can provide emergency refills for those already prescribed allergy medications. The state is also planning to allow over-the-counter purchases of epinephrine injections and is collecting donations of medicines to help out.

The Mayo Clinic explains that while not everyone is allergic to stings, they can still be painful and cause swelling. Severe allergic reactions, called anaphylaxis, can be life-threatening. Quick administration of epinephrine is crucial in these cases. Being stung multiple times can lead to venom buildup, causing dizziness, fever, and even convulsions.

To stay safe, experts recommend wearing long, light-colored clothing with a smooth finish, and avoiding strong scents. If one insect is stinging, stay calm and still. But if there's a group, get indoors or to a shaded area fast, as bees release a chemical that attracts others when they sting.

Swarming Insects: North Carolina's Hurricane Surge

Actions