The DeKalb County Health Department received a grant last week from the Illinois Department of Public Health to combat mosquitoes.

The $15,600 grant comes as part of the state’s response to the West Nile outbreak.

“When a county has a case, they become eligible to request funding,” said Karen Grush, Public Health Administrator.

DeKalb recently reported a case of the West Nile virus that prompted a request of funds from the state.

Grush said this grant already has been spent on larvicide briquettes that will prevent mosquitoes from leaving the larval stage and becoming adults.

The order for the briquet already has been placed and they are expected to arrive soon, Grush said.

This is the second time briquettes have been used to combat mosquitoes in DeKalb County. Grush said that the first time the briquettes were used came after a recent heavy storm.

“The first batch was Aug. 22 when we had that huge rain, so we knew we would have a mosquito issue,” Grush said. She explained that it would take seven to 10 days after a rain before the mosquitoes will hatch.

However, Grush said that this is not the best method for preventing the spread of the West Nile virus.

“We can’t emphasize this enough, the first line of defense is personal protection,” Grush said.

The personal protection includes using insect repellents that contain DEET and avoiding going outside during the times of the day when mosquitoes are most prevalent, especially during dawn, dusk and early evening.

However, the most important factor in minimizing the mosquito population is eliminate standing or stagnate water.

Additional information can be obtained from Centers for Disease Control’s Web site at www.cdc.gov or at the Illinois Department of Public Health Web site at www.idph.state.il.us.