Asian Tiger mosquitoes found in West Bank

The ministry of health warned Friday that Asian Tiger mosquitoes, which can carry dengue fever, have been found across the West Bank and particularly in Bethlehem. Ministry official Samir Sawalha told Ma'an that Asian Tiger mosquitoes thrived in fresh water areas. Open reservoirs near trees provide an ideal environment for the insect, he said. The insect can also flourish where people store water in barrels in their gardens, he added. The ministry has sent special teams to combat the mosquito to areas where residents have complained of bites. It also regularly sprays dumps and waste sites with insecticides, he added. The Asian Tiger mosquito can transmit many viral pathogens, including dengue fever.