BELLEFONTE — Clinton and Centre counties are teaming up to combat mosquito-borne diseases.

In October of this year, it was reported to the Centre County Planning and Community Development Office by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP) that a mosquito sample collected in Ferguson Township tested positive for the West Nile Virus (WNV).

Though the cold weather is bringing an end to cases of WNV for the year, it was recommended that residents take preemptive measures to help control the mosquito population.

Ray Stolinas, Director of Planning and Community Development, spoke to the Centre County Board of Commissioners about a grant agreement renewal with PA DEP for the 2024 Mosquito-borne Disease Control Program.

The contract total is $85,663 for the period of Jan. 1, 2024 to Dec. 31, 2024

“This program covers not only Centre County but also Clinton and Clearfield counties. It is 100 percent reimbursable through the PA DEP,” said Stolinas.

This contract pays for a mosquito control coordinator and entails education wherein mosquito disease control staff provide leaflets on mosquito and tick control at both the Grange Fair and Clinton County Fair. It also pays for a technician.

According to Stolinas, surveillance is a big part of this initiative.

“For mosquitos it’s April 1 through Sept. 30, or upon approval of the DEP sometimes that season gets extended depending on weather. Our tick surveillance is April 15 through Aug. 30,” said Stolinas.

In the months of May through October, mosquitoes can complete their life cycle within five to seven days.

“I think it’s fantastic that we can work with Clinton and Clearfield counties to provide those services,” said Commissioner Stephen Dershem, who also questioned any infrastructure needs this program may require or need addressed.

According to Stolinas, there are two vehicles and sprayers dedicated to the program that are maintained each year and calibrated. Both vehicles are around three years old, and were paid for by the DEP program.

“Those are maintained annually and they’re in proper working order as far as we’re concerned. Very good working order, in fact,” said Stolinas.

This grant agreement was added to next week’s consent agenda.

Centre County residents may report mosquito concerns through the Pennsylvania West Nile Virus website, www.westnile.state.pa.us, or by contacting the Centre County Mosquito Disease Control Program at 814-355-6791.

The Centre County Commissioners will meet again on Dec. 5 at 10 a.m.