The Tangerang regency administration is investigating the death of Rizki Ananda, a resident of Sukasari village who reportedly died from ant bites.

“A team was sent to the victim’s house to observe the surroundings,” Tangerang Health Agency head of control and prevention Hendra Tarmizi said as quoted by tempo.co.

After questioning the victim’s husband, Kusnadi, about the incident, Hendra said Rizki could not breath normally and felt her whole body was itchy and hot after getting bitten by some ants several days ago. The husband immediately took Rizki to the nearest clinic and then to a hospital in Tangerang, but she could not be saved.

He said they were currently searching for an ants nest at the victim's house with the help of an ant expert from the Bogor Agricultural Institute (IPB). However, they have yet to find any nests.

Hendra said that, according to the victim's husband, some years ago a resident in the area was bitten by insects and saw the same symptoms as Rizki. The resident received treatment and recovered after being taken to a hospital. (das)