Mountain State Times

The West Virginia Department of Health has issued a warning about an increase in emergency room visits due to bee stings. This rise is notable compared to last year, and officials are advising residents to be cautious as wasps, including yellow jackets and hornets, become more aggressive. Recent drought conditions are believed to have exacerbated this behavior.

Department of Health Secretary Sherri Young stated, “The safety of our community is our top priority. We want people outside enjoying these last few weeks of nice weather; however, we want them to do so securely. Take the extra precautions to ensure you and your family are protected from bees and wasps, and make sure you know how to react in the event someone is stung.”

West Virginia state public health entomologist Eric Dotseth noted, “Yellow jacket wasps are particularly aggressive at this time of year. With the current environmental conditions, including low precipitation affecting flowering plants, these wasps are in search of food, leading to increased encounters with humans.” Dotseth explained that yellow jackets typically seek out sugary food sources as summer ends and autumn begins. They can often be found near garbage containers and recycling bins with residue from sugary drinks. During droughts, they may become more aggressive in their search for food and water.

Local emergency medical services data indicate a significant rise in bee and wasp sting cases in 2024 compared to 2023. However, comprehensive annual data on yellow jacket activity remain scarce, making trend monitoring difficult.

Bee stings can cause a range of symptoms from mild pain and swelling to severe allergic reactions like anaphylaxis. Mild reactions usually involve localized pain and swelling while moderate allergic reactions may include hives and redness. These can generally be treated with over-the-counter medications. Severe reactions require immediate medical attention as they can lead to difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, fainting or loss of consciousness, swelling of the face or throat or tongue, or pale or flushed skin. Those prone to severe reactions may need an epinephrine auto-injector (Epi-Pen).

To avoid stings, residents should take precautions such as keeping food and drinks covered when outdoors; avoiding wearing shiny objects or strong scents; staying calm if encountering a wasp; and wearing protective clothing when using machinery that produces sound vibrations or loud noises.

In case of symptoms related to anaphylaxis following a bee sting, it is advised to call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.