Hurricane Helene caused deadly flooding in western North Carolina, disrupting the underground nests of stinging insects and prompting them to swarm workers and residents trying to recover from the storm. The surge of stings from yellow jackets, bees, and other insects led the state health department to purchase Benadryl and epinephrine injections to aid in treatment. Many of those seeking treatment for insect stings are electricians working to restore powerlines and other outdoor workers, according to Direct Relief’s chief pharmacy officer, Alycia Clark.
Direct Relief has sent over 2,000 EpiPen injections to community health centers, clinics, and pharmacies across western North Carolina in response to the increased need for treatment. Pharmacists in North Carolina are providing emergency refills for those already prescribed allergy medications and are allowing people to purchase epinephrine injections like EpiPens without a prescription. While most people are not allergic to stings from insects like wasps and bees, irritation and pain can be intense, and stings can swell and remain painful for days. Severe allergic reactions can lead to anaphylaxis, causing symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the tongue and throat, weak pulse, and loss of consciousness.
Being stung more than a dozen times can lead to a buildup of venom in the body, causing serious sickness such as dizziness, fever, convulsions, or vomiting. The aftermath of Hurricane Helene has been devastating, with at least 232 people killed as the storm tore through the southeast. Hundreds more are still unaccounted for, making it the deadliest mainland U.S. hurricane since Katrina. Aid groups are working tirelessly to provide support and relief efforts in the affected areas, including distributing essential medications like EpiPens to those in need.
The impact of Hurricane Helene’s deadly flooding in western North Carolina has been far-reaching, disrupting the lives of residents and recovery efforts in the aftermath of the storm. The state health department’s response to the surge in insect stings has included purchasing medications like Benadryl and epinephrine injections to aid in treatment. Direct Relief has been instrumental in distributing over 2,000 EpiPen injections to various healthcare facilities in western North Carolina to address the increased need for treatment among those affected by the stings.
Pharmacists in North Carolina are also playing a crucial role by providing emergency refills for allergy medications and allowing individuals to purchase epinephrine injections like EpiPens without a prescription. While most individuals may not be allergic to insect stings, severe reactions can lead to anaphylaxis, posing serious health risks that require immediate treatment. The devastation caused by Hurricane Helene has been significant, with a high death toll and many individuals still missing, underscoring the urgent need for continued relief efforts and support in the affected areas.
The aftermath of Hurricane Helene serves as a stark reminder of the destructive power of natural disasters and the importance of preparedness and response efforts. The widespread flooding and disruption caused by the storm have not only impacted infrastructure and recovery efforts but have also led to increased health risks, such as the surge of insect stings in western North Carolina. As aid groups and healthcare organizations work to provide essential medications and support to those in need, it is crucial to prioritize the well-being and safety of individuals affected by the storm and its aftermath.
