North Carolina provides Benadryl and EpiPens as yellow jacket swarms from Hurricane Helene flooding cause surge in allergic reactions
Surge in Yellow Jacket Attacks in Post-Hurricane North Carolina Prompts Emergency Response, North Carolina Grapples with Swarms of Yellow Jackets Following Hurricane Helene’s Destruction
In the wake of
Hurricane Helene, residents of western North Carolina are facing an unexpected
and painful threat as yellow jackets and other stinging insects have swarmed in
unprecedented numbers. The disruption of underground nests caused by the
storm’s widespread flooding has driven these aggressive insects to attack
people already struggling to rebuild their lives in the aftermath of the
natural disaster.
The surge in insect
attacks has become so alarming that the North Carolina Department of Health and
Human Services (NCDHHS) has stepped in to supply Benadryl and epinephrine
injections (EpiPens) to hospitals, emergency responders, and clinics across the
region. As allergy medication requests skyrocket, humanitarian organizations
such as Direct Relief have also mobilized, providing more than 2,000 EpiPens to
health facilities to combat the rising number of stings, many of which are
severe enough to cause anaphylaxis—a life-threatening allergic reaction.
Alycia Clark, Direct
Relief’s chief pharmacy officer, noted the surge in demand for epinephrine is
highly unusual, even in disaster response efforts. “With every disaster, we get
requests for EpiPens, but this one is definitely an outlier,” Clark said. Many
of the individuals affected by stings are electricians working to restore power
to the storm-ravaged communities, as well as other outdoor workers.
As part of the state’s
emergency response, pharmacists in North Carolina are now authorized to provide
emergency refills for individuals who are already prescribed allergy
medications. The NCDHHS is also working on a plan to make EpiPens available
without a prescription to further ease access for those who may need them in
the days ahead.
While most people are
not allergic to stings, experts stress that the pain and swelling from yellow
jacket stings can be intense, often lasting for several days. For those who are
allergic, the consequences can be deadly, with anaphylaxis causing symptoms
such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the tongue and throat, a weak pulse,
and even unconsciousness. In such cases, immediate administration of
epinephrine is critical to prevent fatalities.
Compounding the danger
is the fact that being stung multiple times can lead to a dangerous buildup of
venom in the body. Symptoms can range from dizziness and fever to more serious
complications like convulsions and vomiting, according to health experts.
As part of preventive
measures, health authorities are advising people to wear light-colored clothing
with smooth finishes, as these are less likely to attract yellow jackets and
other stinging insects. Additionally, individuals should avoid wearing perfume
or using scented soaps and deodorants. In cases where someone encounters a
single stinging insect, remaining calm and still is recommended, but if swarms
are present, moving indoors or into a shaded area is critical to avoid further
attacks. Experts explain that bees, in particular, release chemicals when they
sting that can attract others to join in, amplifying the danger.
As western North
Carolina continues to recover from the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene,
the additional threat posed by yellow jackets is creating significant challenges.
However, with the rapid mobilization of state resources and humanitarian aid,
officials are hopeful that the situation will soon be brought under control,
reducing the risk to both residents and relief workers.
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