Imagine your toddler is playing in the front yard on a warm, quiet afternoon. A few ant bites seem harmless. Something many parents might treat with a quick rinse and a Band-Aid. But for some children, those bites can trigger a life-threatening allergic reaction that escalates within minutes and demands immediate medical attention.

Fire ants sting over 14 million people in the U.S. each year, primarily in southern states. For most, the result is a few painful welts. But for a small number, especially those with severe allergies, those stings can become a medical emergency with devastating consequences if not recognized and treated in time.

That’s what happened to a two-year-old in Snellville, Georgia. Her story serves as a heartbreaking reminder of how critical it is for both caregivers and healthcare providers to be equipped with the knowledge and urgency required to respond to allergic reactions. Because when every second counts, preparation can be the difference between life and loss.

What Happened: A Preventable Medical Tragedy

On October 7, 2024, two-year-old Maya Getahun was bitten by fire ants while playing in her front yard in Snellville, Georgia. Within a short time, she began to show clear signs of an allergic reaction—wheezing, labored breathing, and a rash. Her parents, Bethelhem Getu Hundie and Getahun Birhanu, rushed her to Piedmont Eastside Medical Center, expecting urgent care. What they encountered instead was a series of delays and critical oversights that would cost their daughter her life.

The emergency room staff recognized Maya was experiencing an allergic reaction. Despite this, they delayed administering epinephrine for over 20 minutes. In cases of anaphylaxis, particularly in children, time is not a luxury. Epinephrine is the only first-line treatment, and every minute without it increases the risk of respiratory collapse and cardiac arrest.

By the time a physician attempted to intubate Maya to secure her airway, her oxygen saturation had dropped to a dangerously low level. To proceed, the physician administered a paralytic drug, but then discovered the hospital lacked the proper pediatric intubation equipment. Maya, now chemically paralyzed and unable to breathe on her own, was left without a way to receive oxygen.

According to the lawsuit filed by Maya’s family, nurses scrambled through drawers looking for the correct tube size as Maya suffocated. Her parents watched as their daughter slowly lost consciousness, powerless to intervene. Maya died in that ER—fully sedated, unable to breathe, and surrounded by medical professionals who had neither acted quickly nor been prepared for a basic pediatric emergency.

The lawsuit alleges professional negligence against both the attending physician, Dr. Richisa Salazar, and the nursing staff. The hospital and its parent company, Piedmont Healthcare, are also named as defendants for failing to stock necessary pediatric equipment and failing to train staff to respond to predictable emergencies like severe allergic reactions. The legal team representing Maya’s family has also pointed to Dr. Salazar’s history. She has previously been named in multiple malpractice cases, including another involving failed intubation that resulted in death.

This wasn’t a tragic accident. It was a cascade of preventable errors in a situation that called for swift, competent, and basic emergency care.

Fire Ant Bites and Allergic Reactions

Fire ants are not just a nuisance—they’re a genuine medical threat, particularly in the southern United States where they’re most common. Unlike many other ant species, fire ants both bite and sting. They latch onto the skin with their mandibles, then inject venom through a stinger. The venom contains alkaloid toxins that cause a sharp, burning sensation and trigger a cascade of immune responses. In healthy individuals, the result is typically localized pain, redness, and swelling. But in sensitive individuals, especially young children, it can lead to a full-blown systemic allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis.

Anaphylaxis is a severe, rapid-onset allergic response. It’s not a slow progression—it’s a sudden emergency. Symptoms can include wheezing, difficulty breathing, hives, vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness, and a rapid drop in blood pressure. In extreme cases, like Maya’s, it leads to respiratory failure and death if not treated immediately. The cornerstone of treatment is epinephrine, which works by reversing airway constriction, stabilizing blood pressure, and halting the allergic reaction at its source.

Timing is critical. Epinephrine is most effective when given within minutes of symptom onset. Delays, even by 5 to 10 minutes, can drastically reduce the chances of recovery. For children, whose airways are smaller and immune responses can escalate faster, the margin for error is even narrower.

After epinephrine, airway support is often the next priority in severe cases. Intubation may be necessary if the patient is unable to breathe adequately on their own. In pediatric patients, this requires appropriately sized equipment and providers trained in pediatric airway management. Without those, even a well-executed intubation plan can turn fatal.

What happened to Maya wasn’t a rare or mysterious event. Fire ant stings and the risk of anaphylaxis are well-documented. The protocols are clear. The treatment is straightforward. What’s required is recognition and readiness—both of which were tragically missing in her case.

What Went Wrong: Clinical and System Failures

Maya Getahun’s death was not the result of an unknown allergy, an exceptionally rare condition, or an unpredictable medical complication. It was the outcome of clear, preventable failures—both at the individual and institutional level.

Failure to Administer Epinephrine Promptly
Maya arrived at the emergency department showing textbook signs of anaphylaxis: difficulty breathing, wheezing, and a rash. These are not subtle symptoms. The standard of care in such cases is immediate intramuscular epinephrine. Yet, according to the lawsuit, ER staff waited more than 20 minutes to administer the drug. This delay allowed the allergic cascade to intensify, reducing the effectiveness of treatment when it was finally given and pushing Maya closer to respiratory collapse.

Lack of Pediatric-Specific Airway Equipment
As Maya’s oxygen levels declined, the attending physician attempted to intubate her—a necessary step given the severity of her respiratory distress. But after sedating and paralyzing her, the physician discovered that the hospital lacked the proper child-sized intubation tools. At that point, Maya was no longer breathing on her own and had no way to be ventilated. Nurses reportedly searched drawers in a frantic effort to find suitable equipment while Maya lay unresponsive.

Clinical Oversight and Professional Negligence
The physician overseeing Maya’s care has been named in multiple other malpractice lawsuits, including one involving another patient who died following failed intubation. While every case must be judged on its own merits, repeated involvement in serious adverse outcomes raises legitimate questions about clinical judgment and competency.

In Maya’s case, it wasn’t one single mistake—it was a series of compounding errors: a delay in administering a life-saving drug, inadequate airway planning, a lack of essential equipment, and ultimately, a failure to execute basic emergency protocol. These are not rare skills or complex decisions. They are foundational elements of emergency care.

Hospitals often point to system strain or individual error, but these explanations fall short when the failures involve something as basic as stocking a pediatric intubation kit or recognizing anaphylaxis. Maya’s case illustrates how devastating the consequences can be when the system is unprepared and professionals are not held to standard.

Lessons from an Unfortunate Tragedy

Maya Getahun’s death is a worst-case scenario for any parent. A child goes from playful and healthy to dying in a matter of minutes. While no parent should have to carry the burden of what went wrong in a hospital, there are important takeaways that can help others recognize danger earlier and advocate for urgent care when it matters most.

Know the Signs of a Severe Allergic Reaction
Anaphylaxis doesn’t always start with dramatic symptoms. It can begin with something as subtle as a rash, itchiness, or mild wheezing. But in children, the escalation can be fast and unpredictable. Key red flags include:

• Sudden difficulty breathing
• Swelling of the face or lips
• Persistent vomiting
• Hives or rash spreading rapidly
• Lethargy or unresponsiveness
  

If your child develops these symptoms after an insect sting, food, or unknown exposure, assume it’s serious. Do not wait to “see if it gets better.” Time matters.

Use Epinephrine Immediately, Don’t Wait
If your child has a known allergy, always carry an epinephrine auto-injector (like an EpiPen or Auvi-Q), and don’t hesitate to use it at the first sign of anaphylaxis. Epinephrine is safe, fast-acting, and life-saving. Delaying “just in case” can cost crucial minutes.

Even if your child has no history of allergies, severe reactions can happen out of the blue. If you’re with a child showing signs of anaphylaxis and you’re unsure if they’ve had a reaction before, it’s still safer to use epinephrine and call 911.

Don’t Assume the ER Will Be Ready
This is an uncomfortable truth. Most people believe that once they get to a hospital, the worst is over. But Maya’s case proves otherwise. Some hospitals are under-resourced. Some ERs are not prepared for pediatric emergencies. And some staff may hesitate or make poor decisions under pressure.

If you’re in the ER and your child is having a clear allergic reaction, say the words plainly: “My child is having anaphylaxis. They need epinephrine now.”

It’s not about being confrontational, it’s about being clear. Medical staff respond faster when urgency is unmistakable.

When to Call 911 vs. Drive to the ER
If your child is struggling to breathe, losing consciousness, or has signs of anaphylaxis, call 911. Paramedics are trained to deliver epinephrine and provide oxygen en route. In many cases, treatment starts faster in an ambulance than in a waiting room.

Prepare for the Unpredictable
Many parents don’t learn about anaphylaxis until they’ve already experienced it with their child. Ask your pediatrician about allergy risks, especially if your child has eczema, asthma, or food sensitivities. These increase the risk of severe allergic reactions. Know where your nearest pediatric-ready ER is located. Advocate for your child, and never assume the system is flawless.

My Personal RX: How to Manage Allergic Reactions and Take Action Fast

As a physician, I see a wide range of reactions to insect bites—from minor skin irritation to life-threatening allergic responses. What many people don’t realize is that your body’s reaction to a bite depends on more than just the insect. It also reflects your immune system, inflammation levels, and even gut health. Some bites itch or swell for days, while others trigger full-blown allergic responses within minutes. Knowing how to spot the difference and act quickly is essential, especially for those with a history of allergies. But prevention is just as important as reaction. By supporting your immune health year-round and staying mindful of your surroundings, you can reduce both the frequency and severity of bite-related issues. It’s not about living in fear; it’s about being informed, prepared, and proactive.

1. Recognize Early Warning Signs of an Allergic Reaction: Watch for hives, rapid swelling, trouble breathing, dizziness, or nausea—these may indicate a serious allergic response that needs emergency care.
   
2. Don’t Ignore Persistent Inflammation: If a bite remains red, swollen, or painful for more than 3 days, it could be infected or triggering a prolonged immune response. Apply a cold compress, and consult a healthcare provider if it worsens.
   
3. Support Your Body’s Natural Defenses: A strong immune and gut system can reduce the severity of inflammatory reactions. I recommend MindBiotic, which supports a balanced gut microbiome and helps modulate the immune system’s response to allergens and irritants.
   
4. Keep Antihistamines and an Epinephrine Auto-Injector Handy: Especially if you’ve ever experienced a severe allergic reaction, having fast-acting medications nearby can be life-saving.
   
5. Use Natural Insect Repellents: Essential oil blends with ingredients like citronella, eucalyptus, or lemon balm can repel insects without irritating sensitive skin—especially important for kids or those prone to reactions.
   
6. Cook Anti-Inflammatory, Allergy-Friendly Meals: Chronic inflammation makes your body more reactive. The Mindful Meals cookbook offers over 100 anti-inflammatory, allergen-conscious recipes that help support long-term immune balance and reduce sensitivity.
   
7. Wear Protective Clothing Outdoors: When hiking or in high-bug areas, long sleeves, closed shoes, and light-colored clothing can minimize bite exposure and make it easier to spot ticks or stings.
   
8. Don’t Scratch: Scratching increases your risk of infection and prolongs healing. Apply calamine lotion or aloe vera gel to relieve itch without damaging the skin barrier.
   
9. Watch for Delayed Reactions: Some allergic responses can show up hours—or even a day—after a bite. If new symptoms arise later, don’t ignore them. Track how your body responds.
   
10. Know Your Triggers and Share Your Plan: If you’re prone to certain insect allergies, make sure friends or family know what to do in an emergency and where your medications are. Being prepared saves time and saves lives.

Sources:

1. Sheffield, T., & Chiu, D. (2025, April 12). Georgia Girl, 2, was taken to a hospital after she was bitten by fire ants. Now, her parents have filed a wrongful death suit. People.com. https://people.com/girl-2-was-bitten-by-fire-ants-parents-filed-a-wrongful-death-suit-against-hospital-11713090 
2. Gable, S. (2025, April 9). Adorable toddler died in agony after being bitten by FIRE ANTS. . .and hospital staff are to blame,. . . Mail Online. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14585229/toddler-died-fire-ants-bites-atlanta-georgia.html 
3. Hundie v. Piedmont Healthcare, Inc., No. 25-C-04275-S3 (State Court of Gwinnett County, Ga., filed April 4, 2025). Retrieved from https://www.belllawfirm.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/2025-04-04-Hundie-Getahun-Complaint.pdf 
4. Drees, B. M. (2002, December, rev.). Medical problems and treatment considerations for the red imported fire ant (Fire Ant Plan Fact Sheet #023). Texas A&M University Department of Entomology. Retrieved from https://research.entomology.tamu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2011/12/FAPFS023_2002rev_Medical.pdf