Structural infestations by imported fire ants: a survey with health implications.

This study provides the first baseline estimate of the impact of indoor IFA infestations in all 46 counties of our state. Clinicians need to be alert to the threat of unprovoked stings and possible anaphylaxis among disabled or confined patients in a variety of indoor settings.

Fire ants: a continuing community health threat in South Carolina.

Imported fire ants are now firmly established in all 46 counties of South Carolina. In 1998 there were an estimated 660,000 cases in the state of which approximately 33,000 sought medical treatment at an estimated cost of 2.4 million dollars. Residents and visitors are at risk for IFA attacks that may occur indoors as well as outdoors. While IFA sting victims in endemic areas of the state may be less likely to seek medical treatment, patients in recently infested areas seem to be more likely to seek treatment since they are relatively unfamiliar with the multiple, painful IFA stings and pustules. Citizens need to control IFA infestations around and within their homes according to guidelines recommended by the Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service. Regional IFA control programs were discontinued in the past because of costs and environmental chemical concerns. Obviously, we need to support ongoing research aimed at developing improved and safe strategies for the local and regional control of IFA.

1990 South Carolina Physician Survey of tick, spider and fire ant morbidity.

A population of 2,366 primary care physicians in South Carolina was surveyed by mail to estimate the number of cases of insect morbidity treated in 1990. A response rate of 42.3 percent was obtained. Cases reported totaled 414 for Rocky Mountain spotted fever, 334 for Lyme disease, 143 black widow and 478 brown recluse spider bites and 4,975 fire ant stings. These are counts of cases from a mail survey, not from a research-based study. Five deaths were also reported; two for Rocky Mountain spotted fever, two due to black widow spider bites and one fire ant anaphylaxis.

Near death of a woman stung by red imported fire ants: management of anaphylaxis.

Patients with allergic reactions to RIFA should be instructed in avoidance of RIFA and in the administration of epinephrine, given emergency identification information, and referred to an allergist for definitive diagnosis and for desensitization as indicated. RIFA are a growing menace in this country; as their habitat steadily extends north and west, no doubt a growing number of people will be affected by them. Their sting can be acutely life threatening and, as in this one case example, a severe reaction can profoundly affect the life of the victim.

Lyme and other tick-borne diseases acquired in South Carolina in 1988: a survey of 1,331 physicians.

2,346 primary care physicians were surveyed by mail to estimate the number of cases of tick-borne fever diagnosed by them during 1988. The results of the 57% response reveal 344 cases of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, 90 cases of Lyme disease and 33 other tick-borne disease cases acquired in South Carolina. The implications for a greater level of clinical awareness and a search for endemic vectors and animal hosts are emphasized.

Update on hospitalized pesticide poisonings in South Carolina, 1983-1987.

Three hundred twelve hospitalizations for pesticide poisoning occurred in South Carolina during 1983-1987. This represents a twenty percent decline from an average of 78.5 cases hospitalized per year (1979-1982) to 62.4 cases hospitalized per year currently. Non-occupational poisonings accounted for one-half of the hospitalizations while 20% were related to occupation. Intentional poisonings represented 27% of the total. Two deaths as a result of suicide occurred during the four year period giving a case fatality of less than 1.0%. This five year update reenforces the need for continued education and prevention efforts.

Agricultural life-style: a mortality study among male farmers in South Carolina, 1983-1984.

After reviewing the death certificates of 2,820 South Carolina agricultural workers (including farmers, farm workers, and others in the agricultural industry) aged 35 to 84 during 1983-1984, we calculated proportional mortality ratios (PMRs). Among both white and nonwhite farmers in South Carolina, the PMR was significantly higher for cerebrovascular disease (whites, PMR = 1.20, P less than .05; nonwhites, PMR = 1.43, P less than .001) and lower for all malignant neoplasms (whites, PMR = 0.86, P less than .05; nonwhites, PMR = 0.78, P less than .001). In addition, external causes of death were elevated, attaining statistical significance for white farmers (PMR = 1.51, P less than .001). Significantly lower PMRs for all malignant neoplasms are attributed to fewer deaths from cancers related to smoking (buccal cavity and pharynx, esophagus, lung, and bladder) and colon and rectal cancers among both white and nonwhite farmers. White farmers did not show significantly elevated PMRs for cancers of the lymphatic and hematopoietic systems found in other studies in the Midwest. These data suggest that agricultural life-style can be improved for the prevention of strokes and for external causes of death.