A worker was stung by a venomous fire ant Thursday in Fukuoka Prefecture, southwestern Japan, the first reported case in the country of a sting by the aggressive species, the Environment Ministry said.

 Venomous fire ants found at Nagoya port

(Environment Ministry)

The male worker in his 30s was stung in his left arm at a warehouse in the city of Fukuoka as he was unloading cargo from a container shipped from a port in southeast China, according to the municipal government. Around 30 fire ants were found in the container.

The worker said he felt pain like a jelly fish sting, according to the ministry, adding rashes developed around the affected area on his arm.

The container, which was shipped from Shekou port in China's Guangdong Province on July 18, arrived at a port in the city of Fukuoka on Monday.

After the invasive species was first detected in Japan in May, the ants have been found in several prefectures as well as Tokyo.

Fire ants, native to South America, are known for their stings, which can cause anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that can lead to breathing problems and even death.