Japan’s first fire ant injury reported

Japan’s Environment Ministry says it has received a report of the country’s first case of an injury caused by the highly venomous fire ant.

Officials in Fukuoka City, southwestern Japan, say a person was stung Thursday by a fire ant while unloading goods from a container at a company yard.

The container was unloaded at nearby Hakata Port, after arriving from China. The officials say the person was treated at hospital for a rash and the injury is not serious.

They also say about 30 fire ants, including pupae, were found inside the container and all have been disposed of.

Fire ants have been found at Hakata Port on several occasions since July 21st.

Source and image: NHK