The Acton Health Division is sharing the following tips to keep you and your family and your pets safe from Rabies/Mosquitoes:  

1. Avoid and report wildlife that is behaving strangely or appears sick or injured 
2. Keep pets up to date on their rabies vaccination 
3. Supervise your pets when they are outdoors 
4. Seek immediate medical care if you are bitten or scratched by wildlife 5. Seek immediate care for your pet if they are scratched or bit by a raccoon or other wildlife. 
5. Do not attempt to touch or feed wildlife.   
6. See attached link from Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife for more information about raccoons.. https://www.mass.gov/info-details/learn-aboutraccoons 
7. Please remember daytime activity is not an indicator of disease for any wildlife in Massachusetts  

Mosquitoes https://www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/mosquito-bites/prevent-mosquitobites.html.  

Acton is currently identified as low risk for both EEE and WNV, however they both exist in Massachusetts.  (see most recent link for more information-  https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-arbovirus-update)   

1. Protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites by using EPA registered insect repellents.  Always follow label instructions. 
2. Wear long-sleeved shirt and pants  
3. Repair holes in screens on windows and doors 
4. Remove sources of standing water to prevent mosquitoes from breeding in your yard. 
5. If you need to go outside at Dusk and Dawn when mosquitoes are most active follow the above precautions.  

Ticks https://www.mass.gov/info-details/tick-borne-disease-prevention  

1. Check yourself and your family for ticks after coming indoors. If you find a tick on you, use a pair of tweezers to pull off the tick.  Ticks may look like small freckles so look carefully. Document the date of the tick found on your body on the calendar and pay attention to symptoms that may include a rash, sore muscles, fatigue or headache and contact your physician to let them know. 
2. When going outdoors, stay on main hiking paths, use DEET repellent and wear light clothing 
3. Ask your vet how best to protect your pets.