title: Imported fire ant as a health hazard.
abstract: Members of the American Medical Association in 13 southern states were surveyed to assess the magnitude of medical problems caused by stings of the imported fire ant (IFA). Of the 29,205 physicians surveyed, 2,022 (7%) reported treating approximately 20,755 patients annually for reactions to IFA stings. Most patients were treated for local reactions, but 413 (2%) required treatment for life-threatening anaphylaxis.
authors.affiliation: Allergy-Immunology Section, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta 30912.
authors.forename: C T
authors.initials: CT
authors.lastname: Stafford
authors.forename: L S
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: Hutto
authors.forename: R B
authors.initials: RB
authors.lastname: Rhoades
authors.forename: W O
authors.initials: WO
authors.lastname: Thompson
authors.forename: L K
authors.initials: LK
authors.lastname: Impson
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000707:Anaphylaxis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D000818:Animals; D001000:Ants; D001733:Bites and Stings / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy; D003132:Commerce; D004630:Emergencies; D004782:Environmental Health; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007629:Kentucky; D009825:Oklahoma; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D015144:Southeastern United States; D013714:Tennessee; D013781:Texas