Woman Stung by Scorpion at Boston Logan Airport

BOSTON, Massachusetts — A 40-year-old woman was hospitalized Sunday evening after being stung by a scorpion at Logan International Airport. The incident occurred just before 7:30 p.m. as the woman was retrieving her luggage from the customs baggage claim area in Terminal E, according to Massachusetts State Police.

The woman was transported to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment, but specific details regarding her condition have not been released. Boston Emergency Medical Services confirmed their role in the response.

The type of scorpion involved in the incident remains unknown, and authorities have not provided insight into how it came to be in the airport. While scorpion stings can be painful, most are not life-threatening. Healthy adults often do not require treatment, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In contrast, young children and older adults may face higher risks of severe complications.

“For most adults, it’s severe, immediate pain. It’s been described as feeling like a bee sting,” said Dr. Michael Simpson, a toxicologist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. “If the patient is having severe pain, you give them pain medicine. If they’re having unusual muscle movements or spasms, you can give them medicines to help relax their muscles.”

Simpson noted that scorpion stings are uncommon in the northern United States, with such incidents typically occurring in the southern and southwestern regions. “In the worst cases, patients can suffer convulsions, slurred speech, and trouble breathing,” he added.

Many travelers at Logan expressed alarm at the news of the sting. “It’s too much scary. My body now is shaking,” said Marta Begolli, who was at the airport to pick up a family member. Another traveler, Keith Bartlett, remarked that this incident is not something he anticipated happening in Boston.

The Massachusetts Port Authority has not provided additional information regarding the airport’s investigation into the matter. State Police stated that the inquiry is ongoing, and further updates will be released as details become available.

This incident serves as a rare reminder of the complexities surrounding wildlife and pest control in urban settings. While scorpions are typically found in subtropical to tropical regions, they can occasionally appear in unexpected locations.