Spreading Like Wildfire: Risk of Fire Ant Attacks Increases as Insect Population Spreads

MILWAUKEE, April 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Residents of New Mexico, California and Arizona had better prepare ... fire ant populations have recently been discovered in these states according to an article in the April 2000 issue of The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (JACI). The JACI is the peer-reviewed, scientific journal of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI).

Black and red imported fire ants infest more than 310 million acres in 12 states throughout the southeastern United States (Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia) and Puerto Rico. Fire ants are stinging insects related to bees and wasps.

The black imported fire ant, a native of Argentina and Uruguay, and the red imported fire ant, a native of Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil, appear to have entered the United States through Mobile, Ala. in the early 20th century. Shipments of infested nursery stock and other agricultural products, natural mating flights and floating on flood waters have contributed to their spread.

Expansion of these aggressive, venomous ants continues westward at a rate of about 120 miles per year, but the ultimate range of the fire ant is not known. Previously, it was thought that fire ants could not reproduce in temperatures below 10oF. New research has found fire ants can reproduce if the average minimum yearly temperature is greater than 0oF. Further expansion beyond this could occur if the fire ant becomes more cold-tolerant or if colder climates become warmer.

Fire ants dwell in mounds that are easy to spot. They can measure up to three feet in diameter, 18 inches in height and can contain as many as 250,000 fire ants. When their mounds are disturbed, fire ants swarm to the surface and sting their victim.

Fire ants are a growing health hazard. As many as 58 percent of a population living in infested areas are stung each year. Stings usually occur in the summer, most commonly in children and typically on the lower extremities. The fire ant gets its name from the immediate, intense burning and itching at the site of a sting. Almost everyone stung by a fire ant experiences some sort of a reaction to the venom, but 16 percent of people experience life-threatening reactions. Most victims experience a wheal-and-flare reaction, redness at the site of the sting followed by a pus-filled blister called a sterile pustule which ruptures and scars. Large local reactions may cause itching, swelling and redness on the entire limb. More severe reactions may range from severe skin reactions such as hives to a potentially life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis, an acute allergic reaction involving the entire body. More than 80 fatalities over the last 50 years have been attributed to fire ant-induced anaphylaxis.

Fire ants have an adverse impact on agriculture and wildlife, including the decimation of some ground nesting birds, turtles, frogs and arthropods species. They damage farm equipment, electrical systems, irrigation systems and crops. In urban areas, fire ants build mounds in sunny, open areas such as lawns, playgrounds, ball fields, parks, golf courses and along road shoulders. In winter, they move their colonies underneath the pavement and alongside buildings to stay warm. During periods of environmental distress, such as food shortage, excessively hot or dry spells or heavy rainfall, fire ants may move into homes.

To avoid fire ant stings, experts recommend wearing close-toed shoes, socks and gloves when gardening or when spending time in areas where fire ants are likely to be found. Fire ant mounds near homes should be identified and treated by professional exterminators.

Victims of a fire ant sting should carefully brush off the ant to prevent repeated stings and leave the area. Diabetics and others with circulatory disorders, including varicose veins and phlebitis, can be at risk for complications and should see a physician to monitor this condition after being stung. To reduce symptoms, sting victims should elevate the affected limb and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and pain. Gently clean the sterile pustule to prevent secondary infections; do not break the sterile pustule. Use topical steroid ointments or oral antihistamines to relieve itching. See a physician if the swelling progresses or if the sting seems infected. Severe allergic reactions or anaphylactic reactions warrant an evaluation by a board-certified allergist to prevent further serious reactions.

The AAAAI is the largest professional medical specialty organization in the United States representing allergists, asthma specialists, clinical immunologists, allied health professionals and others with a special interest in the research and treatment of allergic disease. Allergy/immunology specialists are pediatric or internal medicine physicians who have elected an additional two years of training to become specialized in the treatment of asthma, allergy and immunologic disease. Established in 1943, the Academy has more than 6,000 members in the U.S., Canada and 60 other countries. The Academy serves as an advocate to the public by providing educational information through its toll-free line at 800-822-2762 and its Web site at http://www.aaaai.org.

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SOURCE American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology

04/13/2000 17:40 EDT http://www.prnewswire.com