PIERRE, S.D. (KELO) — The South Dakota Department of Health (DOH) announced Tuesday they are awarding grants to local communities to help control mosquito populations.
200 cities, counties and tribes in the state will collectively receive $500,000 in grants to combat mosquitoes and reduce the risk of West Nile Virus (WNV).
Every community that applied for funding has been awarded between $500 to $20,000. The community’s population and 2023 WNV cases were taken into consideration for the grant recipients. The grants will alleviate the costs associated with mosquito control measures necessary for protecting public health.
DOH Secretary Melissa Magstadt emphasized the importance of community efforts in mosquito control and the prevention of WNV.
“Our continued commitment to supporting local mosquito control programs is crucial, especially in light of recent flooding events that have increased the risk of mosquito breeding,” added Secretary Magstadt.
For more information about the 2024 WNV Awards, please visit the DOH website. The complete list of 2024 award recipients can be found at https://doh.sd.gov/media/z3bgfrvo/2024-west-nile-awards.pdf.
