All 75 counties apply for West Nile funds

LITTLE ROCK (AP) -- All 75 of Arkansas' counties had applied by deadline Wednesday for part of the state's $1 million to fight the spread of the mosquito-borne West Nile virus.

Ann Wright, a spokeswoman for the state Health Department, said the applications will be reviewed and the money will be distributed as soon as possible.

Decisions will be based on population and geography; the funds will be used for larvicide to kill mosquitoes where they breed and for public education.

Gov. Mike Huckabee's office expects the final mosquito-abatement costs to be more than $3 million.

The office has also requested federal funds to help combat the virus.

Of the 11 suspected human cases in Arkansas, one came back negative in federal tests and 10 are pending confirmation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Nationally, 13 people have died this year from the virus.

According to the health department, most people who are bitten by an infected mosquito show only mild symptoms or do not get sick at all.

Less than 1 percent of persons infected will develop severe illness, according to the CDC.