Harrisburg – Governor Edward G. Rendell announced more than $5 million to help counties monitor and control West Nile Virus, which is spread by mosquitoes.

Local awards include:

• Monroe            $  76,030
• Pike                 $  34,005
• Wayne             $  39,726

“Over the past seven years of fighting the spread of West Nile Virus, we have gained knowledge and developed strategies that allow us to efficiently target our resources for maximum effect,” Governor Rendell said. “Again this year, we will work with counties to conduct aggressive mosquito surveillance and, when needed, implement control activities. We believe our aggressive approach these past two years has contributed to a drop in the number of human cases of West Nile Virus in Pennsylvania.” 

In 2006, nine Pennsylvanians contracted West Nile Virus, with two reported deaths. In 2005, 25 residents contracted the disease, with no deaths attributed to the virus. However, most people bitten by an infected mosquito will never develop any symptoms, and only one in 150 who develops symptoms will develop the more serious West Nile encephalitis, a swelling of the brain which can cause serious health problems, including death. 

The Department of Environmental Protection reminded homeowners to take steps to treat or eliminate standing pools of water where mosquitoes can breed.

“For your personal protection, remember to ‘Dump it, drain it, treat it,’ to get rid of standing water on your property,” said Environmental Protection Secretary Kathleen A. McGinty. “When outside in warm weather, you should also consider using insect repellant containing DEET.”

DEP and county staff use environmentally sensitive materials to control the mosquito population.

For more information, visit www.westnile.state.pa.us.