A woman returning from Mexico was stung by a scorpion while retrieving her suitcase at Boston Logan International Airport on Sunday. The 40-year-old woman was in severe pain and rushed to the hospital around 7:30 pm, according to Boston EMS, via The Daily Mail.
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Authorities have not identified the victim, and there are no updates on her condition. It's also unclear how the scorpion ended up at the airport or what species it was. A spokesperson for the Massachusetts Port Authority declined to provide further details about the incident.
While scorpion stings are usually painful, they are rarely life-threatening, according to the Mayo Clinic. In rare cases, children under six are at greater risk of severe reactions, the Cleveland Clinic notes. However, most North American scorpions are not venomous, and no fatalities from scorpion stings have been reported in the U.S. for more than 50 years.
Symptoms from a sting typically include tingling, swelling, and redness. These usually subside within two days without treatment. In more severe cases, symptoms may worsen within 24 hours, so seeking medical attention is recommended.
Scorpion Stings Painful, But Usually Harmless
The Mayo Clinic states that healthy adults usually don't need treatment for scorpion stings. But young children and older adults are more susceptible to serious complications.
Scorpions are commonly found in parts of Massachusetts, including Charlestown, which is about two miles from Boston, per The Daily Mail. While scorpions typically inhabit desert areas, they are also found in forests in Brazil, British Columbia, and the Himalayas, National Geographic reports.
Of over 2,000 species of scorpions, only around 30 to 40 are venomous enough to be deadly.
This incident follows a similar one a year ago when a man claimed to have been stung by a scorpion at The Venetian resort in Las Vegas. Michael Farchi from California was staying at the resort during Christmas when he was suddenly awoken in excruciating pain. He described it as feeling like someone was stabbing him.
Given where he was stung ... well, let's just say he should be thankful that it wasn't an actual stabbing.
