A tragic incident occurred in Central Georgia over the weekend, resulting in the unfortunate death of a woman. According to her family, the woman accidentally stepped on a fire ant mound located on her property, which led to a severe allergic reaction ultimately causing her demise.
Cathy Weed, a 43-year-old resident of Lawrenceville, tragically passed away on Saturday, as confirmed by the Gwinnett County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Chad Johnson, an investigator affiliated with the coroner’s office, informed USA TODAY that an autopsy was performed on Weed on Monday.
A severe allergic reaction was reported.
The family of Weed was unavailable for immediate contact by USA TODAY. However, according to loved ones who spoke to the local outlet WSB, Weed passed away at her residence in Lawrenceville, which is situated approximately 30 miles northeast of downtown Atlanta.
Weed’s family reported that she experienced a severe allergic reaction to fire ants, ultimately leading to her untimely demise. Tragically, she was unable to access her medication in time to counteract the allergic reaction. She is survived by her teenage son.
Venomous Assault: The Relentless Stings of Fire Ants
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, fire ants possess powerful jaws that allow them to firmly grip their victims.
These ants are known to inject venom into humans through their stingers in a repetitive manner.
Symptoms
The symptoms associated with the sting typically manifest as a sensation of burning, accompanied by itching and the development of rashes on the affected area.
Origin
According to Wizzie Brown, a pest management specialist at Texas A&M University, fire ants are typically found in the southern region of the United States, with some occurrences as far north as Tennessee.
Although they can be found throughout the year, their population tends to be more abundant during the spring and autumn seasons.
