Abstract
Statement of Problem
The purpose of this thesis is to examine whether expenditures by the State of California, in containing the spread of West Nile virus are worthwhile, especially given the current budgetary shortfalls being experienced by State government.
Sources of Data
This thesis will utilize data from media outlets, both newsprint and electronic, scholarly journal articles, and various government agencies, at the local, state, and federal levels.
Conclusions Reached
Based on data collected from the above sources, spending on West Nile containment by the State of California is, at best, only barely cost-effective. Given the higher rate of return on taxpayer expenditures in other fields of public health, the-State should cease funding West Nile containment, and instead channel resources to other areas.