Officials augment stocks of medicine for those allergic to stings as doctors report increase in those seeking treatment
Swarms of yellowjacket wasps, bees and other insects whose underground nests in western North Carolina were disturbed by Hurricane Helene’s flooding have prompted authorities to augment stocks of Benadryl and epinephrine injections for people allergic to stings.
The emergency measure, health officials say, is necessary because hundreds of thousands of aggressive insects, especially yellowjackets the size of honeybees, were forced above ground by the storm and have no nests to which to return.
Pharmacists and doctors’ offices have reported an increase in people seeking treatment for stings, which in some victims can lead to vomiting, dizziness, and fever – or, in the most serious case, anaphylaxis.
The North Carolina health and human services department said it was buying more of the medicines to keep treatment centers stocked, and it plans to temporarily allow people to purchase EpiPens without a prescription.
