The virus is typically transmitted by mosquitoes. The West Nile virus, a form of encephalitis, is a potentially life-threatening illness when it strikes the elderly and the very young. It can cause high fever, muscle weakness, disorientation and an inflammation of the brain in victims. Rep. John Sweeney, R-Saratoga County, on Wednesday accused the Clinton administration of providing the money at the last minute to help Hillary Rodham Clinton, who is running for New York's open Senate seat. This is pandering to help Hillary Clinton in the Senate race and frankly it's too little too late.
Federal officials deny that politics was connected to the aid.
The FEMA money can be used to help local governments defray the costs for emergency measure taken to stem the disease. Local governments can apply to the state to receive the funding. The state government, which is paying half of the costs, is not eligible for the money. FEMA is authorized to reimburse the local governments for up to 75 of the costs they have incurred since July 15. The Associated Press.