California Governor Schwarzenegger Delivers Emergency West Nile Virus Relief to Glenn and Kings Counties

By admin - Posted on August 9th, 2007

08/08/2007 -- California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today added Glenn County and Kings County to the list of counties eligible for emergency financial aid to fight the spread of West Nile Virus.

“With an unprecedented increase in the number of West Nile Virus cases nationwide this year, I want to be sure our local governments have the resources they need to supplement their existing efforts to fight this deadly virus,” said Governor Schwarzenegger. “This is also a reminder to all Californians to protect themselves against mosquito bites – including getting rid of standing water, wearing insect repellent and staying inside during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.”

Last week, the Governor issued an emergency proclamation directing the Department of Public Health to provide financial assistance to Colusa, Kern and San Joaquin counties. Five Californians have died this year due to West Nile Virus. Glenn County had one of the highest rates of human infection per capita in California for the last three years, with thirty residents becoming severely ill during and one death. The Governor’s August 2 emergency proclamation directed the Department of Public Health to identify other counties where the spread of the disease is a threat to public health. Glenn County Board of Supervisors issued a declaration of emergency today and requested assistance from the State. Kings County has also had a death from West Nile Virus within the last week.

Since taking office, Governor Schwarzenegger has invested more than $15 million to fight the West Nile Virus. California has one of the most comprehensive West Nile Virus surveillance and control systems in the U.S. The state deploys surveillance and detection technology to track specific areas of West Nile Virus activity and alert local agencies so they can target their mosquito control activities.

For more information about West Nile Virus, visit http://westnile.ca.gov.

Source: California Governor

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