Ant Bites Leave Texas Boy in Critical Condition

A middle school student lost consciousness twice after he was bitten by what were reportedly fire ants.

Eighth-grader Cameron Espinosa of Hass Middle School in Corpus Christi Texas lost consciousness Wednesday night. According to ABC News, Espinosa was in the middle of a halftime huddle in the school football field when he was attacked by ants.

The 13-year old then began screaming "Ants! Ants!" before losing consciousness and passing out in the football field. He was with fellow players and players from Hamlin Middle School during the incident.

According to reports, Espinosa suffered from ant bites on his stomach and legs. Dr. Stanley Fineman of the Atlanta Allergy and Asthma Clinic says that the ants which bit Espinosa were most likely fire ants.

Fire ants come in either red or black. They are known to bite and inject venom through their sting, says the Mississippi State University. Being stung by a fire ant will cause a raised white pustule to appear on the area. Although not at all harmful, these stings will cause pain and itching.

In very few cases though, venom injected through stings by fire ants can cause allergic reactions. The worst form of allergic reaction to fire ant venom is anaphylaxis, a rapid allergic reaction which can cause death.

Espinosa has already been admitted to Driscoll Children's Hospital in Corpus Christi. The boy is still reportedly in critical condition.

The principal of Hass Middle School has announced that the football field where Espinosa was attacked by ants will be temporarily closed down. The football field will remain not in use until it has been treated for ants.

The school has also provided counselors for students and players who were present during the game. Although an estimated number of 100 individuals watched and participated in the game, there were no reports of other casualties.