16th District Receives West Nile Virus Grants

$277,982 for spraying, education programs

The Lehigh, Monroe and Northampton counties will receive state grants totaling $277,982 to continue the on-going efforts to combat the potentially fatal West Nile Virus, according to Senator Pat Browne.

In an effort to combat the spread of the virus, the state Department of Environmental Protection is awarding a $133,122 Mosquito Surveillance Program grant to Lehigh County, an $80,688 grant to Monroe County, and a $91,758 grant to Northampton County.

The West Nile Virus, which is transmitted by mosquitoes, was detected for the first time in Pennsylvania in 2000. Overall, there were 304 positive cases statewide in 2006, including nine reported cases of human infection. Last year, Lehigh County discovered six positive cases and Northampton County found four cases. All of the Lehigh Valley cases involved either birds or insects. There were no reported cases of West Nile Virus found in Monroe County in 2006.

"The counties will use the money to implement mosquito monitoring and virus surveillance programs and to educate residents about the potential threat posed by the virus," Senator Browne said. "This surveillance and testing includes trapping mosquitoes, collecting dead birds and monitoring other animals as well as people who may be infected."

Here are some ways to eliminate mosquito breeding areas:

Stagnant water in a wading pool, birdbath, wheelbarrow, discarded tire, trashcan, or recycling container can become a place for mosquitoes to breed. Use landscaping to eliminate standing water that collects on your property. Mosquitoes may breed in any puddle that lasts for more than four days.
Clean roof gutters every year, particularly if the leaves from surrounding trees have a tendency to plug up the drains. Clogged roof gutters can produce millions of mosquitoes each season.
Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish. Water gardens can become major mosquito producers if they are allowed to stagnate. Clean and chlorinate swimming pools not in use. A swimming pool left untended by a family on vacation for a month can produce enough mosquitoes to result in neighborhood-wide complaints. Mosquitoes may even breed in the water that collects on pool covers.

"The better aware people become about how and where Mosquitoes live, breed and spread diseases, the better we can protect our families and friends from these insects and the possibility of contracting West Nile Virus," Senator Browne said. "This grant money will help each county better understand and prevent this dangerous disease.

Contact:

Matt Moyer
(610) 821-8468