A bizarre and painful incident occurred at Boston Logan International Airport when a woman was stung by a scorpion while retrieving her luggage from the baggage claim area.
The 40-year-old woman, who had just returned from a trip to Mexico, was rushed to the hospital in intense pain on Sunday evening, around 7:30 pm, according to Boston EMS.
Details Remain Unclear About the Attack
Authorities have not released the woman’s identity, and there have been no updates on her current condition.
What remains a mystery is how the scorpion made its way into the airport and what species it was.
A spokesperson from the Massachusetts Port Authority confirmed they have no additional information about the unusual incident.
Scorpion Stings: Rare but Painful
While a scorpion sting can be incredibly painful, it is rarely life-threatening, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Although the pain from the sting is excruciating, most people recover within a few days without medical intervention.
The Cleveland Clinic notes that for children under six and the elderly, scorpion stings can be more dangerous, but fatalities from stings in the U.S. have not been reported in over 50 years.
What to Expect from a Scorpion Sting
Common symptoms of a scorpion sting include tingling, numbness, swelling, and redness.
These symptoms typically resolve within a couple of days.
However, if the pain worsens or becomes more intense within 24 hours, seeking medical attention is advised.
Fortunately, most scorpions found in North America are not venomous.
Scorpions Are More Common in Some Areas
While scorpions are often associated with desert climates, they can also be found in areas like forests in Brazil, British Columbia, and even parts of Massachusetts, including Charlestown, which is just two miles outside Boston.
There are over 2,000 species of scorpions, but only a small fraction, about 30 to 40, are venomous enough to be dangerous to humans.
A Previous Scorpion Attack in Las Vegas
This strange encounter at Boston Logan comes about a year after a man experienced a similar scorpion attack at a Las Vegas resort.
Michael Farchi from California was staying at The Venetian when he woke up in severe pain, only to find a scorpion attached to his underwear.
The scorpion, identified as an Arizona bark scorpion, is one of the few types considered deadly, although attacks are rare.
In both cases, these frightening encounters highlight just how unexpected and painful scorpion stings can be, even in seemingly unlikely places like airports and hotels.