After being notified of a positive EEE case in our community on September 5, 2024, the Board of Health held an emergency meeting on September 6, 2024 and is providing the following advisory:

• Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project (CMMCP) is scheduled to do spraying on school fields and town fields as soon as possible deploying as many resources available. 

  • The Board of Health approved a waiver to allow the school district to start the spraying earlier than 48 hours. Spraying of the school properties is expected to start Sunday September 8th 

  • The Board of Health authorized town staff to request approval from DPH to override no-spray areas in the event that it is needed

  • It is expected that a town-wide spraying will begin Monday September 9th.

• It is strongly recommended that outdoor activities conclude from dusk until dawn, following recommendations from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health -  https://www.mass.gov/news/state-health-officials-announce-additional-human-cases-of-eee-and-west-nile-virus

• EEE is a rare but serious infection. Acton has been deemed a high risk community for mosquito-borne infections by DPH. Here is more information about the EEE 

• It is strongly recommended that Acton residents take preventative measures to protect themselves during peak mosquito biting hours of dusk to dawn. 

  • Wear long sleeves

  • Reschedule outdoor activities that occur during the evening, 6pm or after

    • Otherwise take extra care to use repellent and protective clothing

  • Apply insect repellent when you go outdoors

  • Mosquito-proof your home by:

    • Drain standing water around your home

    • Install or repair screens

  • Protect your pets' exposure  

    • Ensure they are indoors from dusk to dawn 

Additional information on preventative measures can be found HERE