Mercer Co. gets state grant to combat mosquitoes, West Nile virus

MERCER, Pa. — Mercer County will get a $49,527 grant from the Pennsylvania Mosquito Surveillance Program through the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection to continue the ongoing efforts to combat the potentially West Niles Virus.

The virus, which is transmitted by mosquitoes, was detected for the first time in Pennsylvania in 2000, says a press release from state Sen. Robert Robbins of Greenville, R-50th. Overall, there were 548 positive cases statewide in 2008, including 14 reported cases of human infection.

Robbins said there were no confirmed cases of West Nile Virus in Mercer County last year.

He said the county will use the money to start a mosquito monitoring and virus surveillance program and “to educate residents about the potential threat posed by the virus.”