Feeling antsy: Bi-coloured arboreal ants foraging and gathering food in George Town, Penang, in this file photo. Arboreal ants can be hazardous to humans. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star
BUTTERWORTH: It was a case of “once bitten, twice shy”.
A man survived another anaphylactic attack after being bitten by an arboreal ant, thanks to his quick recognition of the symptoms and immediate action.
Chan Kok Hoe, 48, knew that within minutes, he would feel faint, vomit, turn red all over and have trouble breathing if he did not seek immediate treatment.
He shared that he was cleaning his garden when he was bitten by an ant last weekend.
“Just one ant. I knew I was in trouble. I felt dizzy and my whole body started turning red,” said Chan.
He rushed to a clinic in Bukit Mertajam.
“I told them I was feeling awful and having trouble catching my breath,” he said.
However, he was shocked when the staff told him they could not treat him because their digital registration system was down.
Chan then ran to another clinic a few doors away.
The doctor immediately gave him an antihistamine and steroid injection, which helped stabilise him.
“Some people are allergic to this ant’s bite, just like bee stings. If you ever get bitten and feel dizzy in less than a minute, don’t wait,” he said.
Arboreal ants, locally known as semut Selangor or semut Ipoh, are capable of triggering dangerous reactions in people sensitive to their venom.
The Star previously reported that their bite is “excruciating at best and life-threatening at worst”.
The risk of anaphylaxis is higher if a person is bitten by many ants or if the victim has an underlying sensitivity.
Entomologist Assoc Prof Dr Abdul Hafiz Ab Majid of Universiti Sains Malaysia said bi-coloured arboreal ants (tetraponera rufonigra) are ecologically valuable but can be hazardous to humans when they nest near homes, playgrounds or parks.
“Their bite can be severe for those who are sensitive to it,” he said.
Abdul Hafiz stressed that the danger was similar to reactions in people allergic to bee or hornet stings.
For most Malaysians, a single bite causes only hours of pain and swelling. For others, the venom can trigger a sudden drop in blood pressure, a rapid pulse and difficulty breathing.
As these ants nest in trees near public spaces, Abdul Hafiz advised local councils to remove the colonies for safety.
“If they have colonies where many people frequent, it’s best to remove them with insecticide,” he said.
Chan meanwhile hoped his experience would remind others not to ignore arboreal ant bites if they started feeling unwell.
“A few minutes can make a big difference. If your body reacts all over, you must see a doctor at once,” he said.
