S.A. KHAN et al. human life in the areas it invades. These impacts extend beyond realm, the ecological and health-related influencing different factors such as tourism, public perception and human behavioral responses. While the economic losses caused by S. invicta to agriculture have already been discussed earlier in this review, it is essential to note that detailed information about the economic impacts across various sectors, such as tourism and infrastructure, is not yet available for China. In regions like the United States, the invasion of S. invicta has caused significant economic loss across different states. For instance, in Hawaii, the spread of S. invicta has been associated with substantial costs to various sectors such as golf courses, hotels and commercial businesses, with an estimated annual cost of $100 million related to damage and foregone outdoor activities for both residents and tourists (Gutrich et al., 2007). These findings highlight the potential impact of S. invicta invasion on similar sectors in China if left unchecked longer. This lack of information from China presents a crucial gap in current research, so future studies aim to quantify the economic impacts of the S. invicta invasion on various activities such as tourism, residential life and commercial enterprises. 5.4.1 Influence on Tourism and Public Perceptions The presence of S. invicta at tourist destinations can significantly affect the number of visitors, leading to economic losses in the tourism sector. Disturbed habitats such as parks, gardens, nature reserves and recreational areas are particularly susceptible to S. invicta infestations. For example, in a study in the southern United States, regions with severe infestations experienced a noticeable decline in tourist visits, resulting in estimated losses of millions of dollars annually (Gutrich et al., 2007). Tourism boards and local businesses in heavily infested areas may face challenges in maintaining the public’s positive perception of the area. News reports and social media posts about the impact of S. invicta stings further exacerbate the situation and deter potential visitors, leading to a decline in revenue for hotels, restaurants and other tourism-related businesses (Gutrich et al., 2007). The potential for S. invicta to affect tourism in China also highlights the need for management strategies to mitigate the impact of its presence on the country’s tourism. 5.4.2 Behavioral Changes and Phobias The aggressive nature of RIFA and its painful stings lead to significant behavioral changes in the affected human populations of infested areas (Chan & Guénard, 2020). Individuals living in infested areas may develop higher vigilance and caution in outdoor habitats. This reduces outdoor recreational activities such as picnics, hiking and gardening to avoid encountering S. invicta ants. Among the local farms of Hong Kong, characterized by their small sizes, farmers indicated that they would avoid The venom of S. invicta contains alkaloids and proteins that may cause allergic reactions, intense pain, swelling and itching (La Shell et al., 2010). Studies conducted in the southern United States and the Western Pacific show that a significant portion of the population is stung annually by S. invicta, with up to 2% experiencing leading allergic to importance of hospitalization. This highlights emergency medical interventions (Lopez et al., 2024). The proportion of allergic people within the population can vary based on the region studied, and in China, it is estimated that more than one-third of people in S. invicta-infested areas have suffered from stings. Among those stung, a significant proportion experience allergic reactions, with nearly 10% developing severe systemic fever, dizziness, generalized symptoms, urticaria or even anaphylactic shock, which can be life-threatening (Cui et al., 2020). reactions such as anaphylaxis including The formation of a white pustule at the sting site within 24 hours these symptoms do not occur in all individuals. These white pustules are filled with liquid, but not pus, and can be itchy and painful. In addition to the pain and pustule formation, victims may experience redness and swelling of the areas surrounding the sting. Once clear of ants, the affected area should be washed with soap and water to minimize the risk of infection. Given the increasing spread of S. invicta and the severe allergic reactions it can cause, it is crucial to raise awareness among healthcare professionals, particularly in areas where these ants are prevalent. According to a recent study, there have been cases where suboptimal treatment was provided due to a lack of familiarity with venom-induced anaphylaxis (Libman & Yansouni, 2019). The recommended first line of the administration of intramuscular epinephrine, even if all the symptoms of anaphylaxis are absent. Some treatments, like antihistamines and steroids, should not be used as primary treatments as their efficiency is not proven. To minimize the risk of infection following a sting, the affected area should be thoroughly cleaned with soap and water to remove venom residues. This step is essential in preventing bacterial contamination, especially in cases where individuals scratch the sting site due to itchiness. is characteristic, although treatment against The invasion of S. the anaphylaxis includes invicta has profound socio-economic impacts, affecting various aspects of 166 annually in Texas (Lard et al., 2001). Although specific estimates for China are currently lacking, similar impacts are also expected in China because of RIFA’s widespread distribution and locally high populations. 5.2 Public Health Risks and Allergic Reactions 5.3 Sting Identification 5.4 Socio-Economic Consequences
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