SNOWE AND COLLINS ANNOUNCE $193,293 HHS GRANT TO HELP MAINE FIGHT WEST NILE VIRUS

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins announced that the state of Maine will be receiving $193,293 in grant funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Center for Disease Control and Prevention, to be used towards strengthening efforts to combat the West Nile Virus.

"This funding comes as an important resource for fighting a disease that we here in the state of Maine are not used to," said Senators Snowe and Collins in a joint statement. "It is important that we bolster our state's ability to protect our residents, and especially those most vulnerable, from the West Nile Virus."

This grant comes as part of a $6.3 million nation-wide effort to fight the West Nile Virus. Activity of this virus has been reported in 43 states and the District of Colombia. As of September 12, 2020, there were 1,201 human cases of West Nile virus, with 46 deaths.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommend the following steps to prevent West Nile Virus: • Eliminate sources of standing water on their property - including potted outdoor plants that are watered regularly;

• Use an insect repellent DEET on clothing; and

• Cover themselves with lightweight clothing as much as possible whenever they are outside.