The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food has selected 20 counties and agencies to receive state funding for fighting what is expected to be a heavy West Nile virus season.
"We're excited that this is going to get these counties some kind of extra protection," said Larry Lewis, department spokesman.
Those agencies receiving the funds had earlier been deemed problem areas, meaning there was little or no mosquito control in place.
The state Legislature this year allocated $500,000 to help expand mosquito control efforts in the state.
The department received $1.2 million in requests, so the committee had to stretch the $500,000 to meet as much need as possible, Lewis said.
The Bear River Health Department received the highest amount with $91,000, and several areas received only $10,000. The money is expected to be distributed over the next few weeks, Lewis said.
Those applying for funds had to partially match the grant amount.
These agencies will receive funds: Beaver County; Carbon County; Garfield County; Morgan County; Piute County and towns; Sanpete County; Sevier County; Bear River Health Department; Dagget County mosquito abatement district; Emery County; North Summit mosquito abatement district; Wasatch County; Box Elder mosquito abatement district; Juab County; Kane County; Ute Tribe Environmental Health; Wayne County and towns; Iron County; San Juan County; and the Agriculture department's Division of Animal Industry.
Utah had one non-fatal human case of West Nile virus last summer, and the health department now reports that antibodies for the virus were detected during the screening process for a blood donor in Uintah County.
The virus was also found in horses and mosquitos in several Utah counties last year.
State officials say those numbers are certain to increase this summer. In neighboring states, the second summer the virus has been present has resulted in a dramatic increase in human West Nile virus infections.
The virus is transmitted from birds to certain types of mosquitoes. Those mosquitoes can infect humans and horses. Dead birds, mostly crows, ravens, jays, magpies and raptors, are often the first sign that the virus is present in an area. Cases in humans and horses will likely start showing in July and peak in August.
People can help protect themselves by removing standing water from around their homes. They also can use an insect repellent that contains DEET if they are outdoors during dawn and dusk hours, when mosquitos are most active. Horse owners will want to make sure they vaccinate their horses, officials said.