Montgomery County Gets $169K To Fight West Nile And Zika

NORRISTOWN, PA — Montgomery County is receiving $169,357 in state funding to help fight the West Nile and Zika viruses, Governor Wolf's office announced last week.

The money comes from the state's Department of Environmental Protection and is based on incidents of the viruses in the past, and the preponderance of the types of mosquito species that typically carry West Nile and Zika.

“DEP is committed to preventing the spread of mosquito borne disease in Pennsylvania,” said Acting DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell in a statement. “County governments use this grant funding to identify and control mosquitoes associated with West Nile and Zika virus using the safest, most effective integrated pest management practices available.”

County programs will work alongside state officials on mosquito-combating fronts like educating the public, utilizing safe insecticides, and continuing surveillance, Dinniman's office said.

One of the major mosquito species that can carry Zika, Aedes albopictus, is common in southeastern Pennsylvania counties, according to the state. Mosquitoes that carry West Nile, meanwhile, are prevalent in every county across Pennsylvania.

Chester County received $98K in funding, while Philadelphia got $275K, Delaware got $119K, and Bucks got $155K.

Residents are urged to contact state officials to report dead birds, which can carry viruses, and to file mosquito complaints. Visit www.westnile.state.pa.us or call 717-346-8243.

Patch file photo