Allergy warnings as Hurricane Helene disturbs wasps’ nests

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.