Batch Data Processor | Thursday, Aug 2 2007 6:20 PM
Last Updated: Thursday, Aug 2 2007 6:23 PM
Commend Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger for his immediate pledge to Sen. Dean Florez to make emergency funding available to fight the West Nile virus epidemic.
Florez asked the governor for the funding following the second fatality from the mosquito-borne virus in Kern this year.
As in the past, Kern County is the nation's hot spot this year for the epidemic. So far, Kern accounts for half the fatalities and two thirds of the 56 diagnosed cases in the state. The number of as-yet undiagnosed cases may be much higher. Last year, Kern County recorded 51 cases of West Nile, the most in the state.
Although Florez asked for $48 million in emergency grant funding for Kern, Kings and Colusa counties, Schwarzenegger said he would make available "as much funding as immediately needed to combat this virus at the local level."
In addition, the state Department of Public Health is consulting with local officials to determine what longer-term funding may be needed to combat the virus.
Florez's request pinpoints a key issue that explains the need for an emergency declaration by the state for the grants: There are no funds in this year's state budget dedicated to local vector control districts specifically to combat West Nile.
Florez will seek to have a specific West Nile appropriation in the new state budget. Such a regular appropriation is vital. West Nile is now a permanent fixture in the Central Valley and the state. Fighting it should not depend on an annual maybe-yes/maybe-no budget decision.
Florez's and the governor's actions are especially appropriate because the south valley has the worst possible combination of factors regarding West Nile, even in a drought year.
West Nile is spread by mosquitoes that feed on infected birds and then transmit the disease to people. Mosquitoes breed in water.
Our rural landscape is home to countless birds, as well as such mosquito breeding grounds as irrigated land, livestock watering troughs and canals.
At the same time, the region's burgeoning urbanization has led to construction of home swimming pools, which can also be breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Although West Nile can result in only flu-like symptoms, it can cause inflammation of the brain and nerve system, which can be fatal, especially to older people.
Prevention is the key, and that is why the governor's response to Florez's request for funds is a lifesaver.
http://www.bakersfield.com/opinion/editorials/story/204148.html
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