CHARLESTON, W.Va.— Emergency room visits because of bees are on the rise this year as we enter the autumn season.
The West Virginia Department of Health said that the visits from bee stings have increased significantly compared to last year. The department is urging residents to be remain vigilant as wasps, including yellow jackets and hornets become more aggressive this fall. They say the traits may be related to the recent drought conditions.
Eric Dotseth, West Virginia state public health entomologist said, “Yellow jackets are particularly aggressive at this time of year. With current environmental conditions, including low precipitation affecting flowering plants, these wasps are in search of food, leading to increased encounters with humans.”
Dotseth also said that yellow jackets are normally seen near garbage containers and recycling bins in search of sugary food sources, because their natural prey, flowers, are no longer in bloom when autumn begins.
Department of Health Secretary Sherri Young, said, “the safety of our community is our top priority.”
It’s important to know the effects of a bee when it stings you, because a sting can have many different symptoms.
Mild to moderate reactions can be treated at home, such as localized pain and swelling and more moderate reactions can cause hives and redness.
A more severe case can lead to anaphylaxis which is a potentially life-threatening emergency and requires immediate attention. Anaphylaxis may cause difficulty breathing, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, fainting and loss of consciousness, swelling of the face, throat and tongue or pale or flushed skin. Those who present with these symptoms need to carry an epinephrine auto-injector, Epi-Pen, with them at all times.
To avoid being stung by a bee people need to make sure they are keeping food and drinks covered while they are outdoors, disposing their garbage in a proper manner and quickly, avoid attracting bees (don’t wear shiny objects, dark bright colors, and floral patterns or strong scents like perfume or aftershave.
People need to remain calm when they see a wasp and walk away from it slowly if they happen to encounter one and wear protective clothing whenever you are using a machine that will produce sound vibrations or loud noises. If anyone experiences any of these anaphylaxis symptoms, either call 911 or head to the nearest emergency room.