March 24, 2000 Dodd, Lieberman, Announce Funding to Fight West Nile Virus Washington, D.C. - Senators Chris Dodd and Joe Lieberman, both D-Conn., today hailed the announcement of a $200,000 grant made to the Connecticut State Health Department to fight the West Nile virus, a potentially fatal mosquito-borne virus which causes encephalitis. "As the world becomes smaller, these viral threats become greater," said Dodd. "ThatŐs why this assistance is so important, because every dollar spent can make a big difference in our fight against this deadly threat." "These federal dollars will help Connecticut insulate itself from a likely recurrence of this virulent disease," said Lieberman. "The state is doing a good job of preparing for surveillance and prevention, and as the weather turns warmer, we're anticipating more money in this year's federal budget to combat the West Nile Virus." The grant will be used to enable the state to monitor and respond more effectively to reported incidences of the virus and to build laboratory facilities to study the virus. In 1999, 61 severe illnesses and seven deaths in the New York metropolitan area were attributed to the West Nile virus. The grant was made possible through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. - 30 -