In the wake of Hurricane Helene, deemed the deadliest storm to hit the US since Hurricane Katrina, health officials are facing a new challenge: an influx of wasps. Floodwaters from the hurricane have disturbed wasp nests, leading to increased stinging incidents and prompting US health officials to stock up on allergy medications, as reported by Sky News.
The storm, which has resulted in at least 215 fatalities and left communities from Florida’s Gulf Coast to Virginia’s Appalachian Mountains grappling with recovery, has worsened the risk of wasp encounters.
Summer Tonizzo, a press assistant at North Carolina’s Department of Health and Human Services, confirmed that officials are working to ensure that allergy medications, such as Benadryl and EpiPens, are readily available in western North Carolina. “We are actively working to ensure Benadryl and epinephrine are readily available in western North Carolina for those who may be allergic or have been stung,” she said.
Many wasps have become more aggressive with the destruction of their homes and nests. Tarren Pruitt, a registered nurse from West Jefferson, North Carolina, reported noticing a surge in wasp activity since the hurricane, saying that numerous workers have been stung while restoring power. Chris Hayes, an extension associate in urban entomology at North Carolina State University, explained that wasps tend to become more aggressive as the season changes, with food sources dwindling and their populations declining.
Most people may not be allergic to wasp stings but can still experience pain, itching, or swelling. While Benadryl can help alleviate these symptoms, EpiPens are crucial for individuals facing severe allergic reactions, which can be life-threatening. The National Park Service is advising residents in affected areas to exercise caution and to move away from disturbed nests while covering their faces.
Dozens or possibly hundreds of people remain unaccounted for following the hurricane’s devastation. The storm’s impact has prompted President Joe Biden to pledge federal support for recovery efforts, with power restoration and communications still lacking in many areas.