Los Angeles - On Friday, actor tuned California Governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger announced more funding to help combat the speared of West Nile.

The governor will release $897,000 U.S in addition to the $453,00 previously announced.

The funds will be released immediately through parts of the state.

This emergency funding is authorized through the WNV emergency proclamation Schwarzenegger signed last week.

"With an unprecedented increase in the number of West Nile Virus cases nationwide this year, I want to be sure our local partners have the resources they need to fight this deadly virus," said Schwarzenegger.

"I will continue to work with local and state agencies to take proactive measures to protect Californians from this disease including providing additional funding as needed through my emergency powers as governor."

"This is also a reminder to all Californians to protect themselves against mosquito bites -- including getting rid of stagnant water, wearing insect repellent and staying inside during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active," he added.

In California, the number of people infected this year with West Nile Virus is three times higher than the same time last year.  There have been 5 deaths in California due to West Nile Virus (2 in Kern County, 1 in Kings County, 1 in San Joaquin County and 1 in Colusa County).

Since taking office, Governor Schwarzenegger has invested more than $15 million to fight the West Nile Virus. The state deploys surveillance and detection technology to track specific areas of West Nile Virus activity and alert local agencies so they can target their mosquito control activities.