After Hurricane Helene, North Carolina expects an increase in bee stings, leading to the distribution of thousands of EpiPens statewide.
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Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee were severely impacted by Helene, which brought heavy rainfall and damaging winds over a week ago. The Category 4 cyclone uprooted trees and transformed the landscape, impacting human communities, wildlife populations, and insects.
North Carolina boasts a substantial bee population, prompting health departments to warn about potential encounters, particularly during recovery.
According to the North Carolina Wildlife Federation, there are over 500 species of bees, many of which are utilized for honey production. Of course, the recent hurricane may have disturbed nests and beehives, potentially leading to more defensive behavior among these insects.
Medical experts estimate that at least 2 million Americans are allergic to bee stings. In severe cases, a sting can provoke anaphylactic shock, which necessitates immediate administration of epinephrine and professional medical attention.
EpiPen Shots Are Being Donated to Address the Potential Rise in Bee Stings Following the Hurricane
Direct Relief, a humanitarian aid organization, has provided care centers in North Carolina with over 2,000 EpiPen shots to address the potential risks of bee stings, per Fox Weather.
Pharmacists in the state can provide emergency refills for prescribed allergy medications. The state is also planning to allow the sale of epinephrine injections like EpiPens without a prescription and is working on collecting and distributing medicine donations.
Beekeepers also caution that bees become more defensive in the fall. The insects safeguard their hives in preparation for winter hibernation.
Experiencing more than a dozen stings can lead to a buildup of venom in the body, potentially resulting in severe illness. Symptoms may include dizziness, fever, convulsions, or vomiting.
The Helene disaster has resulted in the tragic loss of over 200 lives across seven states. Many individuals are still unaccounted for. As of now, authorities have not linked any of the fatalities to stings, which typically number around 100 annually in the country.
Emergency managers report that drownings and falling trees account for the majority of fatalities during storms.