House hopes to ease rapid spread of West Nile

WASHINGTON -- Hoping to ease the spread of West Nile virus across the country, the House passed a bill Tuesday that would authorize $100 million in grants for communities to develop mosquito-control programs.

The measure, which passed by a voice vote, would target areas with high rates of mosquito-borne diseases. The money could be used to purchase equipment and update laboratories.

West Nile virus is mostly spread through mosquito bites, and has infected 2,206 people across the country this year, according to the Centers for Disease Control. The agency said 108 people have died from the disease.

"This is about a national threat to public health, especially for our most vulnerable citizens," said Rep. Chris John, D-La. and the measure's sponsor.