Fire Ants: What’s Going Around for the Week of Nov. 27

Golfers may want to watch where they set up their shots. Red fire ants are just one thing local doctors are talking about when looking at “What’s Going Around” the area where you live.

Dr. Randolph Gibbs reports seeing many cases of tinea versicolor from patients at the Mecca Clinic. This is a fungal skin infection that results in pigmentation on the trunk, shoulders or upper arms. Sneezing, congestion and postnasal drip are also going around. This may seem like allergies, but Gibbs believes it’s a virus.
On the other side of the valley Dr. Michael Jardula reports a significant amount of intestinal flu bug in Palm Springs. This one hits suddenly with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. People think it’s food poisoning, but it appears to be viral. Dehydration can be a real problem, so if your symptoms last for more than 48 hours, see a doctor. A bland diet with liquids for 24 hours is a good idea.
Also in Palm Springs, Dr. Frank Arian reports what’s gone away is just as significant as what’s going around. He’s seeing less sinusitis and fewer cases of MRSA skin infections. He also says seasonal allergies are finally settling down. However more and more patients are coming in to his office with fire ant bites– most of them acquired on the golf course near the trees. Unroofing the ant bites with some gauze and saline allows the toxin to be removed and recovery to begin.

Watch “What’s Going Around” Tuesday evenings at 5:30 and Wednesday mornings at 6:45 on CBS Local 2 News.