Prevalence of allergic sensitization to imported fire ants in children living in an endemic region of the southeastern United States

In endemic areas, the onset of sensitization (IgE positivity) to IFAV occurs in the first years of life, with more than half of the children demonstrating sensitization by 2 to 5 years of age. Exposure to IFAV as evidenced by a positive IgG anti-IFAV antibody increased with age, and by the second decade, more than 97% of children had detectable antibody. Children living in an endemic region frequently encounter IFAs and, when stung, often receive multiple stings.