Acton was notified on August 12^th of a positive sampling of mosquitoes for West Nile Virus (WNV), causing Acton to be elevated to high risk level by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. On Wednesday, August 13^th, starting at 8:30 P.M. the Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project (CMMCP) is scheduled to spray recreational facilities Town-wide and the following streets in Acton that were near the positive test location:

Generally, there is no need to relocate during mosquito control spraying. The pesticides have been evaluated for this use and found to pose minimal risks to human health and the environment when used according to label directions. Although mosquito control pesticides pose low risks, some people may prefer to avoid or further minimize exposure. Some common-sense steps to help reduce possible exposure to pesticides include:

• Listen and watch for announcements about spraying in the local media and remain indoors during the application to the immediate area (please remain inside for 15-20 minutes, or longer at your discretion).
• Bring pets indoors during spraying. Although pets that remain outdoors could be exposed to small amounts of spray they are not expected to experience adverse health effects from the spraying. There are many pesticide products (e.g., flea collars, pet shampoo, dips) containing similar ingredients that are used directly on pets to control ticks and insects.
• Close street-facing windows and turn off the outside setting on window-unit air conditioners when spraying is taking place in the immediate area (you may open windows and activate AC units 15-20 minutes after the application, or longer at your discretion.)
• People who suffer from chemical sensitivities or feel spraying may aggravate a preexisting health condition may consult their physician and take special measures to avoid exposure.
• Cover ornamental fish ponds for the night if in the spray zone.
• Do not let children play near or behind truck-mounted applicators when they are in use (pets should be brought inside if possible or their cages covered to allow a wider application to be performed).

What can you do to protect yourself from WNV?

Since WNV is most commonly spread by mosquitoes, here are some things you can do to reduce your chances of being bitten:

• Schedule outdoor events to avoid the hours between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
• When you are outdoors, wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt and socks. This may be difficult to do when the weather is hot, but it will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.
• Use a repellent with DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), IR3535 (3-[N-butyl-N-acetyl]-aminopropionic acid) or oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-menthane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] according to the instructions given on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30% or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age. Permethrin products are intended for use on items such as clothing, shoes, bed nets and camping gear and should not be applied to skin.
• Keep mosquitoes out of your house by repairing any holes in your screens and making sure they are tightly attached to all your doors and windows.
• Remove areas of standing water around your home. Here are some suggestions: 
  • Look around outside your house for containers and other things that might collect water and turn them over, regularly empty them, or dispose of them.
  • Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers that are left outdoors so that water can drain out.
  • Clean clogged roof gutters; remove leaves and debris that may prevent drainage of rainwater.
  • Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.
  • Change the water in birdbaths every few days; aerate ornamental ponds or stock them with fish.
  • Keep swimming pools clean and properly chlorinated; remove standing water from pool covers.
  • Use landscaping to eliminate standing water that collects on your property.