State holds forum on West Nile Virus

The Iowa Department of Public Health is hosting a scientific roundtable today from noon to 1:30 on methods for dealing with the spread of the West Nile Virus. Health Department Director Dr. Stephen Gleason says he is bringing experts from various areas of the state to talk about fighting the disease.He says they’ll discuss the scientific basis, and controversies, surrounding strategies for fighting the disease. Gleason says one of the controversies is whether or not to spray to kill the adult mosquitoes that carry West Nile.He says many counties and cities already spray, but many do not. Gleason says there are still concerns about the environmental and health that may be caused by spraying.Gleason says the E-P-A has approved the compounds sprayed to kill the mosquitoes, but there are still some reports that it may cause problems for kids. Today’s roundtable will be carried across the state via the Iowa Communications Network fiber optic system.