The Governor of the Illinois state, Rod Blagojevich yesterday announced that the state is granting more than $2.8 million to health departments around the state for preventive measures against the spread of mosquito-borne West Nile virus.

Announcing the fund on Sunday, Governor stated that the money will be used for surveillance measures and mosquito control. He pointed out that in 2007 the Illinois Department of Public Health received 101 confirmed reports of people infected with West Nile virus. Four of those people died. The cases were reported from all regions of the state.

According to the state health authorities, the main thrust of the new funding will be surveillance measures, primarily the collection and testing of mosquitoes and birds for the presence of the virus. Local agencies may also spend the money on mosquito eradication and public information efforts.