To evaluate the damage and epidemiologic features of immediate allergic reactions to Solenopsis invicta stings in mainland China, a literature survey, and an internet search were done to obtain data; which were statistically analyzed. This pest became established in mainland China in 2004. We found that the most important reason for the high frequency of stings of people by the red imported fire ant is the pest's wide and rapidly expanding distribution in 4 provinces of southern mainland China. More than 1/3 of people in ant-infested areas have suffered stings, and people of both sex and of all age groups are highly likely to be stung. All people who have been stung experience itchiness, and almost all experience flare and wheal, while nearly 10% experience fever, some experience dizziness, generalized urticaria or other systemic reactions including anaphylactic shock, which can cause death. Scratching of the itchy areas predisposes the sufferers to secondary infections. The data demonstrate that the allergic reactions to red imported fire ant stings are a serious public health problem, which should be addressed by government and the public.