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Surra announces mosquito monitoring grants |
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Thursday, 05 April 2007 |
HARRISBURG - State Rep. Dan Surra, D-Elk/Clearfield, announced today that Elk and Clearfield counties will receive a combined $107,730 in state money to help monitor local mosquito populations and implement a West Nile virus surveillance program.
Surra said the grants also will pay for efforts to educate the public about West Nile virus and how to reduce the risk of contracting the disease.
The state Department of Environmental Protection will provide a $71,915 grant to Clearfield County and a $35,815 grant to the Elk County Conservation District.
West Nile virus is picked up by the mosquitoes that bite infected animals and birds, and can be transmitted to humans by these infected mosquitoes. While anyone can get the disease, infants, seniors and others with weakened or compromised immune systems are most at risk. Most people who are bitten never show symptoms, but the infection can result in West Nile encephalitis, a swelling of the brain that can cause serious health problems, including death.
Surra said the most effective way to reduce the risk of West Nile virus is to eliminate standing water around your home and property where mosquitoes breed. Turn over buckets, wading pools and other containers that hold water, and drill holes in the bottom of recycling bins and other containers stored outside. Residents also are urged to use an insect repellent containing DEET when outdoors in hot weather.
Surra said more information about West Nile virus, the state’s monitoring and surveillance program, and the latest statistics from individual counties are available online at www.westnile.state.pa.us.
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Last Updated ( Friday, 06 April 2007 )
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