SD Health Department Awards Half-million Dollars in West Nile Virus Prevention Grants

PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Department of Health (DOH) has awarded nearly 200 cities, counties, and tribes across South Dakota a total of $500,000 in grants to combat mosquitoes and prevent the spread of West Nile virus (WNV) in 2023.

The grants support local efforts in controlling mosquito populations and reducing the risk of WNV transmission.

Of the 187 grants awarded, 173 went to cities. Counties and tribes were also eligible to apply. Every community that applied for funding this year was awarded a grant, ranging from $500 to $20,000, reflecting the specific needs and challenges faced by each locality.

Grant recipients were selected based on various factors, including the population of the applying jurisdiction and its history of human WNV cases up until 2022. The reimbursement grants are designed to alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with mosquito control measures necessary for protecting public health.

DOH Secretary Melissa Magstadt expressed her gratitude for the ongoing dedication and proactive approach taken by communities in controlling mosquitoes and preventing the spread of West Nile virus.

"Thanks for all your efforts to control mosquitoes and prevent West Nile virus. Your commitment to public health is commendable, and we appreciate the work you are doing to safeguard the well-being of our communities,” she said.

The grants are typically awarded each year, opening around May 1 with a June 1 deadline.

For more information about the 2023 West Nile Virus Awards, including the complete list of 2023 recipients and amounts, visit https://doh.sd.gov/ diseases/infectious/wnv. ■