'Black Tiger' in Palestine

Albopictus mosquito Jerusalem - Sona Adeek The Palestinian Authority's Health Ministry confirmed Wednesday reports about the appearance of the Aedes Albopictus mosquito, also known as the "Black Tiger" in Palestinian territories. The announcement came after the ministry received several complaints from citizens who were bitten by the mosquito and suffered skin ulcers. "The Black Tiger was discovered in some Palestinian towns, especially in the northern and central regions of the West Bank and the city of Bethlehem in particular. This insect usually grows in stagnant and uncovered water and the unused car tires," said the PA Health Minister Hani Abdeen in a press statement. "The Black Tiger might transfer dengue fever which causes headache, diarrhea and arthritis," added the minister who said that this was the first time the Black Tiger was discovered in Palestine. Abdeen added that dengue could lead to death as it sometimes caused severe internal bleeding and intestinal damage. "It is believed that this mosquito reached Palestine a few months ago and the ministry has put a plan to stop its spread by draining the places stagnant water is found while covering all the water tanks. This will be done in coordination with municipalities and the Education Ministry which will launch a campaign to tell the citizens how to avoid this insect," Abdeen continued. The minister urged all the citizens to be cautious and to inform the health authorities whenever they see this mosquito in order to avoid what he described as a "health disaster".