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CORVALLIS - Public concern about West Nile Virus, like the disease itself, is spreading fast. According to news reports, the virus is responsible for several deaths in Louisiana and more cases are being reported.

Information posted on the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) website - npic.orst.edu - based at Oregon State University indicates that West Nile virus has been detected in at least 28 states. It has not yet been reported in any western states.

An in-depth source of information on pesticides that may be used to control mosquitoes carrying the virus is available from the center, a service that describes chemicals available to control a broad range of insect and weed pests.

"NPIC provides objective, science-based information about a wide variety of pesticide-related subjects," said Terry Miller, OSU Extension toxicologist and NPIC coordinator.

"In the case of West Nile virus, NPIC offers information about pesticides that may be used to control the mosquitoes as well as information about recommended insect repellants that people can use to protect themselves from the mosquitoes," Miller said.

The National Pesticide Information Center emphasizes health-based information about pesticides, Miller said. The NPIC website also offers information about the effects of West Nile Virus itself and links to other online sources about the disease, he said.

NPIC is a cooperative effort of Oregon State University and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. In addition to the website, NPIC has a toll-free telephone service that provides pesticide information to any caller in the United States, Puerto Rico, or the Virgin Islands. The toll-free telephone number is 1-800-858-7378.

NPIC is staffed by trained pesticide specialists who have toxicology and environmental chemistry education and training.