Mosquito eradication program continues in Warren

WARREN, Mich. (AP) - City departments in Warren will begin a mosquito prevention and eradication program aimed at controlling the spread of the West Nile virus and other illnesses.

It is the second consecutive year that Mayor Jim Fouts has instituted the program.

State officials say an unusually warm spring encouraged the early hatching of mosquitoes that transmit the virus. An elderly Washtenaw County woman was reported last week as the state's first West Nile virus death this year.

Warren engineering, public works, property maintenance, recreation and sanitation departments are directed to identify and treat areas where stagnant and standing water can harbor mosquito larvae.

Residents also will be educated on identifying things around their homes where mosquitoes can breed. They could be fined up to $1,000 if problem areas are not eliminated.