Quick Action Saves Toddler from Severe Allergic Reaction to Fire Ants

A two-year-old boy from Thomasville, Georgia, narrowly avoided a severe medical emergency after a sudden encounter with fire ants. While playing outside with his siblings, his parents, Lexi and Cody Johnson, noticed something was wrong when his face began to swell.

Rolin, the young boy, had unknowingly stepped into a newly formed fire ants mound. His parents immediately acted to pull him to safety, removing the ants from his skin. Lexi shared with Newsweek, “I rushed him to the bathroom tub and immediately ran cold water on him. I didn’t really have time to think. It all happened so quickly.”

Fire ants, known for their aggressive behavior and painful stings, populate much of the southern United States. In rare cases, their venom can trigger a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis.

Lexi called Rolin’s pediatrician for further guidance. However, before she could end the call, Rolin’s condition worsened significantly. In Lexi’s words, “When I hung up the phone and walked into the bathroom, his face was swollen with a bunch of bumps.” Recognizing the urgency, Lexi and Cody swiftly got Rolin dressed, thanks to help from their eldest son, and rushed him to the emergency room (ER). Meanwhile, their sister-in-law cared for their other children: Colton, Walker, and Charley.

Despite initial fear as Rolin’s eyes closed in the car, Lexi kept reassuring him, ensuring he stayed responsive. Upon reaching the ER, she expressed the urgency to medical staff, who quickly acted. “But once she saw his face, she called for immediate care,” said Lexi, describing how Rolin received prompt medical assistance.

Rolin was given emergency treatment, including two doses of epinephrine, along with steroids and antihistamines. Medical staff also inserted an IV line as Lexi comforted her son. Despite the shock, Lexi expressed relief, “All I could do was comfort him and tell him everything would be okay.” Her family’s experience with fire ants had not previously suggested this type of reaction.

Lexi shared their challenging incident on Instagram, where it went viral with nearly seven million views. Some comments criticized the family’s vigilance against fire ant mounds, but Lexi defended their efforts. “Sometimes you can’t see them,” Lexi explained, noting their routine use of pest-control treatments.

Thankfully, Rolin returned to health, ready to enjoy outdoor play again. “He is back to his normal silly, stubborn self!” Lexi shared. She advises parents to trust their instincts when something seems wrong, emphasizing the importance of quick access to medical care in emergencies. As she reflected, “If we didn’t live only five minutes from the hospital, I don’t know how that day could have ended.”