A tragic incident unfolded in Lawrenceville, Georgia, 30 miles northeast of downtown Atlanta, on Saturday, June 17, when a woman died after reportedly stepping on a fire ant mound at her residence and subsequently experiencing an extreme allergic reaction.
The victim, identified as Cathy Weed, 43, by the medical examiner’s office, passed away at her home before she could reach her medication, as reported by her devastated family. Weed leaves behind a teenage son.
Fire ants are notorious for their potent stings and aggressive behavior. The US Department of Agriculture notes that fire ants latch onto their victims and repeatedly inject venom.
The insects are found across the southern parts of the United States and extend up to Tennessee, with their activity intensifying during the fall and spring seasons. Fire ant stings generally induce immediate pain and result in a red, swollen area, which usually subsides within an hour.
However, a minority of individuals may experience a severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis, characterized by symptoms like difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat or tongue, loss of consciousness, rapid pulse, nausea, vomiting, and sweating. Such reactions necessitate immediate medical attention and can be life-threatening if not promptly treated.
People aware of their severe allergic responses to fire ant stings are often advised to carry an epinephrine auto-injector (such as an EpiPen) to rapidly counter the reaction, though immediate medical assistance should still be sought following its usage.