A WOMAN was reported to have been stung by fire ants while waiting for a bus Friday in Guangming District and then passed out twice after the venomous stings, according to Shenzhen Economic Daily.

Fortunately, the woman was immediately taken to the hospital by both traffic police and a bus driver, and is now recovering at home.

Wang Chunbo, chief physician of the emergency department at Gongming People’s Hospital in Guangming, where the woman was hospitalized, told the reporter that the patient was suspected of being stung by fire ants based on her self-report and the symptoms of itching and dizziness she displayed.

According to Chen Xiongfang, driver of bus M216, the woman said she felt very dizzy and was seen covering her forehead with her hand from time to time. A moment later, the woman came to Chen and said she was stung by ants and could hardly stand due to the dizziness. Then the woman collapsed.

Witnessing this, Chen asked one of the other passengers to call 110, and he pulled over to wait for the traffic police, during which the woman fainted once again.

An attack by fire ants typically causes instant itching, swelling, eventual blistering or creates pustules. In severe cases, it may lead to anaphylactic shock or death. (Yang Mei)