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:

Board of Health Advisory

• 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 

Mosquito Spraying Information

• Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project (CMMCP) is 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 at 7:30PM and will be completed around midnight 

• Field spraying will begin at the Acton Boxborough High School fields and will be managed by Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project. CMMCP will spray the application on vegetation along the perimeters of the fields to help control spread and possible breeding grounds. Playground equipment, playing fields, etc. will not be sprayed. Once CMMCP completes these fields, they will be spraying throughout the Town. However, if you have registered your property to not receive spraying, CMMCP will not spray that address.

Additional information on preventative measures can be found HERE