More than 200 South Dakota cities, counties and tribes will share in $500,000 in grants intended to control mosquitoes and prevent West Nile virus (WNV), the Department of Health announced recently.

“South Dakota has a disproportionately high number of WNV cases when compared to other states. Local mosquito control efforts play a vital role in protecting our communities,” said Bill Chalcraft, administrator of public health preparedness and response for the Department of Health.

All applying communities received funding, with grants ranging from $500 to $20,000. Grant awards were based on the p...