Increased Stinging Insect Activity in Western North Carolina Post-Hurricane Helene
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, western North Carolina faces an unexpected challenge: a surge in the population of stinging insects, including bees, yellow jackets, and fire ants. This escalation has prompted state health officials to secure a significant supply of allergy medications.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services does not maintain statistics on incidents of insect stings or bites. However, it has received “anecdotal reports of increased numbers of stinging insects in the affected areas of western North Carolina,” stated Summer Tonizzo, a spokeswoman for the department, in an email to The Charlotte Observer.
In a statement issued late Monday, the state health department indicated, “We have made a large purchase of epi-pens and Benadryl.” The exact expenditure for these medications was not disclosed, nor was an official available for comment.
The acquired medications are being allocated to emergency medical services, disaster relief organizations, hospitals, and shelters to aid those affected.
Hurricane Helene’s Impact
Hurricane Helene struck North Carolina on September 26, triggering landslides and extensive flooding. The devastation left 27 counties recognized as major disaster zones. On Tuesday, Governor Roy Cooper announced the confirmation of 95 fatalities, with 92 individuals still reported as missing.
Emergency Measures for Allergic Reactions
On Friday, State Health Director Betsey Tilson issued a standing order. This order grants pharmacists in North Carolina an emergency waiver to dispense epinephrine auto-injectors, essential for treating allergic reactions from insect stings and other allergens. According to the North Carolina Board of Pharmacy’s website, the waiver allows requests from individuals with allergies, caregivers, family members, or friends concerned about the risk of anaphylactic reactions.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has also activated the Emergency Prescription Assistance Program. This initiative is designed to assist uninsured residents in replacing medications or medical equipment lost to the storm.
Outdoor Workers Among Those Affected
As per reports from the Associated Press, many insect sting incidents involve electricians and other outdoor professionals. Entomology expert Sarah Stellwagen, an assistant professor of biological sciences at UNC Charlotte, explained, “If your habitat was disturbed, you’re going to go out and look for more places to live.”
Stellwagen noted that yellow jackets, in particular, are prone to being disturbed when their ground nests are disrupted. “As people are out there moving debris around and getting their property back in order, I think they’re probably coming in contact with these things more than they normally would,” she said.
Factors Contributing to Increased Exposure
Residents might be encountering insects more frequently due to living without electricity or structural damage exposing their homes. As habitats are recovered, insects and other wildlife are also actively preparing for the winter, which increases competition for food sources.
“There’s lots of (insects) cleaning up the organic material as well,” Stellwagen remarked, referring to the decomposition and waste left by the flood’s aftermath. During the recovery process, she advised wearing insect repellent and remaining vigilant for nests within mountainous regions.
Hope for Relief With Cooler Weather
However, Stellwagen offered a glimmer of hope as temperatures drop. “Because it’s getting cooler, I think people will start seeing some relief from these things for sure,” she mentioned. “Particularly when we get some regular frosts.”
This suggests a potential decrease in stinging insect activity as winter approaches, providing some respite for the residents of western North Carolina engaged in recovery efforts. The situation remains closely monitored by health officials to mitigate risks associated with increased insect populations following natural disasters like Hurricane Helene.