Re: Do ants carry disease?

Theoretically, yes, ants can carry disease -- more likely bacteria than
viruses.  However, I can't think of a case where ants are the primary
vector of any disease.  Because of their small size and limited movement,
and the fact that most species don't bite people (and therefore can't
pass anything to the bloodstream), your chances of catching a disease
from an ant are probably less than your chances of catching 
something if you go outside and breathe deeply for about five minutes
(viruses, in particular, are much more likely to be airborne than ant-borne).

  Of course, you can reduce that risk greatly by washing any food-preparing
surfaces you've seen ants on.  And I wouldn't eat any, unless they're
commercially prepared.