Politics & Government
West Nile Virus Discovered in Acton, Spraying Starts Aug. 4
Several Acton streets will be sprayed tomorrow to combat against the West Nile Virus.
On July 28, the Central Mass. Mosquito Control Project (CMMCP) discovered the West Nile Virus while surveying an area in town southeast of town center. The CMMCP will be combating the issue by placing Catch basins in the area where the virus was found to reduce the larva population.
Spraying of the area will start at sunset on August 4 to reduce the mosquito population in Acton.
"Basically what we are telling folks is that if you see the spraying-truck, go inside and shut your windows for 20 minutes," said Acton Town Manager, Steven Ledoux. "The spaying will happen sometime between sunset and 11 p.m. at night - there is no exact time because you have to keep in mind that the CMMCP is their own entity and we have to work around their schedule and it has to be done at night when the air is a little more still."
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The streets that will be sparyed:
- Hennessey Drive
- Mallard Road
- Prospect Street
- Spencer Road
- Saint James Circle
- Tuttle Drive
- Westside Drive
- Durkee Road
- Lothrop Road
“This confirmation reminds us that the virus is present in the environment, and we must do everything possible to avoid mosquito bites,” said CMMCP Executive Director, Timothy Deschamps.
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The West Nile Virus is transported by mosquitoes and may cause flu like symptoms that can lead to meningitis. Humans catch the virus by a bite from an infected mosquito.
The CMMCP recommends a few safety tips for protecting yourself from catching the virus:
- Being aware of mosquito peak hours: Basically from dusk till dawn.
- Clothing: Long-sleeve shirts, long pants and socks are always a good idea between the peak hours.
- Repellent: According to the CMMCP press release, "Use a repellent with DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), or oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] according to the instructions on the product label."
- Limit mosquito breeding spots around your home: Mosquitoes breed in still water - anything from undrained gutters to puddles in flower pots are places where mosquitoes breed.
Residents can also call the CMMCP at 508.393.3055.