Fire ant attacks on residents in health care facilities: a report of two cases.
BACKGROUND
Imported fire ants now infest more than 310 million acres in the United States and Puerto Rico. Colonies have been found in Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Virginia. Available reports suggest that each year, fire ants sting more than 50% of persons in endemic areas, resulting in a variety of medical consequences.


OBJECTIVE
To describe fire ant attacks among patients in health care facilities.


METHODS
Case series and literature review.


METHODS
Two nursing homes in Mississippi.


METHODS
Two nursing home residents.


METHODS
Clinical records to describe clinical sequelae of multiple stings.


RESULTS
With the 2 incidents reported here, the total number of reported indoor fire ant attacks on humans since 1989 is 10. Six of the persons attacked, including the 2 nursing home residents described here (who died after the stings), had preexisting neurologic impairment. Eight of the 10 attacks have been reported in the past 4 years.


CONCLUSIONS
The presence of fire ants in occupied dwellings indicates the presence of active fire ant colonies in the immediate proximity. Efforts to eradicate these insects should be undertaken immediately, especially if immobile persons are present. These persons should be considered at risk for fire ant attacks as long as the ants are present.
deShazo
R D
RD
Department of Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson 39216, USA.
Williams
D F
DF
Moak
E S
ES
D000368:Aged; D000818:Animals; D000862:Ant Venoms / Q000276:immunology; D001000:Ants; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000096:biosynthesis; D007299:Insect Bites and Stings / Q000150:complications / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy; D007306:Insecticides; D008875:Middle Aged; D009735:Nursing Homes
D000862:Ant Venoms; D007306:Insecticides; D007073:Immunoglobulin E