A two-year-old named Rolin from Thomasville, Georgia, was outside playing with his brothers when his face began to swell dramatically. His parents, Lexi and Cody Johnson, aged 30 and 36, respectively, discovered that he had unknowingly stepped into a fire ant mound. Fire ants are aggressive insects found commonly in the southern United States, and in rare cases, their venom may cause anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction.
Realizing the urgency, Lexi quickly took Rolin to the bathroom and ran cold water over him. “I didn’t have time to think,” Lexi told Newsweek. During this time, Cody stayed with Rolin while Lexi called the pediatrician. The doctor advised them to monitor Rolin for swelling, but his condition escalated swiftly. Lexi found Rolin’s face swollen with bumps and immediately prepared to take him to the emergency room.
With her sister-in-law caring for Rolin’s siblings—Colton, Walker, and Charley—the family rushed out. During the drive, Rolin became unusually quiet, increasing Lexi’s concern as he began to fall asleep. She stayed alert, speaking to her son to ensure he remained responsive.
Upon arriving at the emergency room, Lexi handed off the car to a stranger, focusing entirely on her son. The medical team quickly recognized the serious nature of Rolin’s situation. “Once she saw his face, she called for immediate care,” Lexi explained. Rolin received emergency treatment, including two epinephrine doses, steroids, and antihistamines. Medical staff also established an IV line while Lexi comforted him.
The family was taken aback, as Rolin had encountered ants before without any allergic issues. “I’ve become much more cautious,” said Lexi. Living in the South raises this risk since ants are prevalent.
Lexi documented the incident on Instagram (@lexi17j), where her video gained nearly 7 million views. While some criticized the family for not spotting the ants earlier, Lexi mentioned that it’s not always apparent despite regular pest control efforts. Thankfully, Rolin has recovered. “He’s back to his normal silly, stubborn self,” she shared. Lexi advises parents to trust their instincts when something feels wrong. “Living just five minutes from the hospital saved the day,” she concluded.