NC Faces Surge in Stinging Insect Attacks After Hurricane Helene

NC Faces Surge in Stinging Insect Attacks After Hurricane Helene \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Deadly flooding from Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina has disrupted underground nests of yellow jackets, bees, and other insects, leading to widespread stings among those recovering from the storm. The surge in stings has caused a spike in demand for allergy medications, prompting the state health department and Direct Relief to distribute epinephrine and Benadryl. North Carolina officials are planning measures to provide easier access to allergy medications amid the crisis.

North Carolina Struggles with Swarms After Hurricane Helene: Quick Looks

• Surge in Insect Stings: Flooding from Hurricane Helene has disrupted nests, causing yellow jackets, bees, and other insects to sting people across western North Carolina.
• Medication Shortage: The North Carolina health department and Direct Relief are providing Benadryl, epinephrine, and over 2,000 EpiPens to meet the increased demand for allergy treatments.
• Protective Measures Advised: To avoid insect stings, residents are advised to wear light-colored clothing, avoid fragrances, and seek shelter when faced with multiple stinging insects.

Deep Look

Western North Carolina is grappling with an unusual challenge in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, as flooding has led to the disruption of underground nests of yellow jackets, bees, and other stinging insects. The devastation caused by the storm has not only displaced residents and caused significant infrastructure damage, but it has also unsettled insect colonies, which are now swarming and stinging residents, emergency workers, and those involved in the cleanup efforts.

A Surge in Stinging Insects

Hurricane Helene brought catastrophic flooding to western North Carolina, which in turn disturbed underground nests of yellow jackets and other stinging insects, pushing them into populated areas. As people work to recover from the storm—clearing debris, repairing homes, and restoring power—many are facing frequent and painful encounters with these insects. The situation is particularly difficult for outdoor workers, like electricians and power line technicians, who are essential for post-storm recovery but are exposed to heightened risks of stings.

The surge in insect activity has led to an increased number of people seeking medical attention for stings. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is purchasing Benadryl and epinephrine injections to meet the growing demand for treatments. Alycia Clark, Direct Relief’s chief pharmacy officer, noted that requests for EpiPens have been far higher than usual. “With every disaster, we get requests for EpiPens, but this one is definitely an outlier,” she said. Direct Relief, a humanitarian aid group, has provided over 2,000 EpiPen injections to clinics, community health centers, and pharmacies throughout western North Carolina in response to the crisis.

Allergy Medications and Access Expansion

The state is also taking steps to improve access to allergy medications. Pharmacists in North Carolina are authorized to provide emergency refills for people already prescribed allergy treatments, including epinephrine and antihistamines. Additionally, officials are working to expand access by allowing individuals to purchase epinephrine injections, such as EpiPens, without a prescription. This effort also includes collecting and distributing donated medications to help alleviate the shortfall.

Severe allergic reactions to insect stings can lead to anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical intervention. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include difficulty breathing, swelling of the tongue and throat, a weak pulse, and loss of consciousness. In these situations, epinephrine is the critical treatment that must be administered immediately. With many residents unable to access immediate medical care due to the widespread impacts of the hurricane, the increased availability of EpiPens and other treatments could be lifesaving.

For those not allergic, stings from yellow jackets and bees can still be extremely painful. According to the Mayo Clinic, stings often lead to swelling, irritation, and pain that can last for several days. However, being stung multiple times in a short period can lead to a dangerous buildup of venom in the body, which can result in more serious symptoms, such as dizziness, fever, vomiting, and convulsions. Given the current circumstances, this risk is elevated for those working long hours outdoors amidst disrupted insect habitats.

Preventive Measures Against Stings

With the heightened presence of stinging insects, health and safety experts are providing guidance on how to avoid getting stung during the recovery period. The key recommendations include:

1. Wear Protective Clothing: Long, light-colored clothing with a smooth finish is less likely to attract stinging insects. Loose clothing that fully covers arms, legs, and ankles provides an additional layer of protection.
2. Avoid Fragrances: Perfumes, colognes, and scented lotions or soaps can attract insects. Residents and outdoor workers are advised to avoid using such products during this time.
3. Stay Calm Around Insects: When encountering a single insect, it’s best to remain calm and avoid sudden movements. Swatting at bees or yellow jackets can provoke them to sting. However, if several insects begin to swarm, experts recommend quickly moving to an indoor or shaded area, as bees release a chemical signal when they sting that can attract more bees to attack.
4. Safe Shelter: Whenever possible, individuals working outdoors should have quick access to enclosed spaces, such as vehicles or buildings, where they can retreat if a swarm occurs.

Understanding the Risks of Multiple Stings

The risks associated with insect stings can be more severe if someone is stung numerous times. For non-allergic individuals, multiple stings can cause a dangerous accumulation of venom in the body, resulting in serious symptoms. The venom’s effects can lead to nausea, headaches, dizziness, and even convulsions. Given that outdoor workers are most at risk of encountering large numbers of these displaced insects, taking preventive measures is crucial.

The surge in stinging insect activity is compounded by the fact that many people in western North Carolina are still without reliable power and communication, making it harder for those with severe allergies to access medical help. The state health department’s proactive measures—such as distributing more EpiPens and planning to make epinephrine available without a prescription—are aimed at bridging this gap in emergency response.

Supporting Emergency Workers and Residents

Electricians, linemen, and other outdoor workers are at the forefront of rebuilding and restoring services in the wake of Hurricane Helene, but they are also among the most vulnerable to insect stings. Alycia Clark from Direct Relief emphasized that a significant portion of individuals needing EpiPens are emergency workers trying to repair storm damage.

These emergency responders are not only facing the physical and logistical challenges of restoring essential services but are now also at risk from displaced insect populations. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, alongside Direct Relief, has stepped in to ensure these workers have the necessary protection against allergic reactions. The provision of EpiPens and Benadryl is aimed at keeping both emergency personnel and residents safe as they navigate the difficult conditions in the storm’s aftermath.

The unusual circumstances of this hurricane-induced insect surge underscore how interconnected natural disasters can be. Floodwaters displace not only people and property but also wildlife, leading to cascading impacts that can include insect swarms. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated action, not only to repair the physical damage but also to respond to emergent health threats like the increased risk of stings and allergic reactions.

Moving Forward

As the recovery from Hurricane Helene continues, North Carolina health officials are committed to mitigating the risks posed by increased insect activity. By expanding access to allergy treatments, encouraging preventive measures, and ensuring the safety of emergency responders, the state is taking significant steps to address the secondary effects of the storm.

For the residents of western North Carolina, the disruption caused by the storm goes beyond flooding and power outages—it includes facing the heightened threat of stinging insects while trying to rebuild their lives. Despite the challenges, the resilience of emergency workers, community health centers, and the proactive efforts of state health officials are helping the region adapt to the new threats that have emerged in the hurricane’s wake.

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