Robbins Announces Funding to Monitor for West Nile
Virus in Mercer County
Harrisburg – State Sen. Bob Robbins (R-50) today announced that
state funding would be available to monitor Mercer County for the West
Nile Virus.
"The West Nile Virus is a potentially deadly disease that requires
careful monitoring," said Robbins. "This state funding will help in
monitoring the situation and in informing residents."
Mercer County will receive $80,717 in state funding to implement a
mosquito monitoring and virus surveillance program to determine if the
virus is present in Mercer County and to assist in informing residents
about the issue, said Robbins.
The West Nile virus was detected for the first time in Pennsylvania
in 2000, turning up in birds, mosquitoes and a horse. To combat the
spread of the virus, which is transmitted by mosquitoes, Pennsylvania
has developed a comprehensive network covering all 67 counties. It
includes trapping mosquitoes, collecting dead birds and monitoring
horses, people and sentinel chickens.
In 2004, the virus has been reported in two counties: Bucks and
Union.
The grant was awarded through the state Mosquito Surveillance
Program, which is administered by the state Department of
Environmental Protection.
CONTACT: Mike Hengst (717) 787-1322
