Town of Acton Announces Moderate West Nile Virus Risk
Town of Acton Announces Moderate West Nile Virus Risk
Town of Acton Announces Moderate West Nile Virus Risk The Town urges residents to take mosquito precautions as a mosquito sample collected in Acton has tested positive for West Nile Virus. Acton Town News Posted on August 19, 2026 The Town is notifying residents that Acton is currently classified as moderate risk for West Nile Virus (WNV). West Nile Virus is most commonly spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. While most people infected with WNV do not develop symptoms, some people can develop serious illness. Residents should take precautions whenever mosquitoes are active. Protect Yourself from Mosquito Bites The Town recommends the following steps to reduce mosquito exposure: Avoid outdoor activities when possible between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active. Wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks when spending time outdoors. Use an EPA-registered mosquito repellent according to the product label. Keep mosquitoes outside by repairing holes in window and door screens and making sure screens fit securely. Eliminate standing water around your home. Empty, turn over, or dispose of containers that collect water, including buckets, flowerpots, children's pools, wheelbarrows, and other outdoor items. Clean clogged gutters and remove leaves and debris that prevent water from draining. Change birdbath water every few days. Maintain swimming pools properly and remove standing water from pool covers. Look around your property regularly for other areas where water may collect and eliminate them whenever possible. Mosquito Spraying Scheduled for Portions of Acton The Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project (CMMCP) is scheduled to conduct mosquito spraying in portions of Acton on Wednesday evening. The scheduled streets include: Coughlin Street Cowdrey Lane Eliot Circle Fife and Drum Road Heald Road Huckleberry Lane John Swift Road Main Street Meadow Brook Road Minuteman Road Musket Drive Nagog Hill Road Newtown Road Patriots Road Putnam Road Revolutionary Road Simon Willard Road Taylor Road Trask Road Woodbury Lane Residents in areas scheduled for spraying should follow CMMCP guidance and take appropriate precautions during application. Residents should consult the CMMCP 2026 Spray Schedule for the most current information and any schedule changes. CMMCP 2026 Spray Schedules Stay Informed Mosquito activity and community risk levels can change throughout the season. Residents are encouraged to monitor updates from the Town of Acton and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. For current information about mosquito activity, West Nile Virus, and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in Massachusetts: Massachusetts Arbovirus Update
