Sen. Tim Johnson (D-South Dakota) is offering a bill to help tribes combat the West Nile Virus, which has hit reservations in South Dakota at high rates.

Johnson sponsored the Mosquito Abatement for Safety and Health Act but tribes are not covered. He is offering an amendment to allow tribes to apply for grants under the MASH program.

Last year, Native Americans in South Dakota made up 19 percent of all West Nile Virus cases in the state even though they are only 9 percent of the population.

Get the Story:
Johnson offers amendment to help tribes fight W. Nile (The Rapid City Journal 5/6)

Relevant Links:
West Nile Virus, CDC - http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm

Related Stories:
Oglala Sioux Tribe develops West Nile Virus plan (04/23)
S.D. reservations hardest hit by West Nile Virus (09/15)