In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, a trailer swept away by floodwater sits on the side of a road in Pensacola, North Carolina. The deadly flooding caused by the hurricane has not only affected human lives, but also disrupted the underground nests of insects such as yellow jackets and bees. This has led to an increase in swarms and stings, making it difficult for people to recover from the storm. As a result, there has been a surge in requests for medication to protect those who are allergic to insect stings. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is purchasing Benadryl and epinephrine injections to fulfill these requests through hospitals, emergency medical personnel, and doctors. Direct Relief, a humanitarian aid group, has also sent over 2,000 EpiPen injections to community health centers, clinics, and pharmacies in western North Carolina.
According to Alycia Clark, Direct Relief’s chief pharmacy officer, they receive requests for EpiPens after every disaster, but the number of requests for this particular disaster is unusually high. Many of the people seeking treatment for stings are outdoor workers, such as electricians working to restore powerlines. The state is also allowing pharmacists to provide emergency refills for those who are already prescribed allergy medications. In addition, the state is working to collect and distribute donations of medicines and is planning to allow people to purchase epinephrine injections without a prescription.
While most people are not allergic to insect stings, they can still cause intense pain and swelling that can last for days. However, some people can have a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening. In these cases, it is crucial to administer epinephrine immediately. Getting stung multiple times can also lead to serious sickness, including dizziness, fever, convulsions, and vomiting. To reduce the risk of getting stung, experts recommend wearing long, light-colored clothing with a smooth finish, avoiding perfumes and scented products, and staying calm and still if there is only one stinging insect around. If there are multiple insects, it is best to quickly seek shelter indoors or in a shaded area, as bees release a chemical when they sting that attracts other bees. The Associated Press Health and Science Department is supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and is solely responsible for all content.