• R D deShazo, D F Williams, and E S Moak.
• Department of Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson 39216, USA.
• Ann. Intern. Med. 1999 Sep 21; 131 (6): 424-9.

BackgroundImported 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.ObjectiveTo describe fire ant attacks among patients in health care facilities.DesignCase series and literature review.SettingTwo nursing homes in Mississippi.PatientsTwo nursing home residents.MeasurementsClinical records to describe clinical sequelae of multiple stings.ResultsWith 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.ConclusionsThe 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.

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