Lexington Confirms West Nile Virus in Mosquitoes, Warns of Fraudulent Emails
Mosquitoes trapped in Lexington have tested positive for West Nile virus, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health told the town on September 17, even as Town Hall separately warns permit applicants about a wave of fraudulent emails impersonating town staff.
TOWN HALL
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health notified Lexington that mosquitoes trapped in town tested positive for West Nile virus, joining several neighboring communities with confirmed samples this season. The finding, which Lexington Patch also flagged in its weekend newsletter, comes as mosquito activity typically persists into the fall.
Town Hall is also warning applicants with permits pending before the Planning Board, Historic District Commission, Conservation Commission and other boards about continuing fraudulent emails that impersonate town staff. Officials are urging anyone who receives a suspicious message about a pending application to verify it directly with the relevant board before responding.
Separately, the Community Preservation Committee has opened its application window for fiscal 2028 Community Preservation Act funding, and the town flagged two upcoming opportunities for residents to drop off electronics for recycling. The town is also asking residents to weigh in on a modernized waste collection program slated to roll out in the summer of 2027, with a public meeting on collection options still to be scheduled.
SCHOOLS
Lexington Public Schools' School Committee meets September 22. The following night, September 23, the committee joins the Select Board, Appropriation Committee and Capital Expenditures Committee for a joint Finance Summit at 7 p.m. in Estabrook Auditorium to begin coordinating fiscal 2027 budget planning.
COMMUNITY & ARTS
The Lexington Observer, a local nonprofit newsroom, is spotlighting "Reframe," a new sculpture exhibition on view at the Old Schwamb Mill, the historic water-powered mill site in town.
ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS
"Mosquitoes Test Positive For West Nile Virus In Lexington," Lexington Patch reported Saturday, noting the finding follows positive samples in several neighboring communities this season, a story the town's own health notice also addressed today, per Lexington Patch (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/lexington/mosquitoes-test-positive-west-nile-virus-lexington).
"🌱 Patch AM: What made Lexington's season-opening chamber concert earn a standing ovation?" Lexington Patch's newsletter recapped a well-received season-opening concert for the town's chamber music series, per Lexington Patch (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/lexington).
"Wilmington vs Lexington | Soccer | 09/23/2026" and "Cambridge Rindge & Latin vs Lexington | Volleyball | 09/23/2026": Lexington High School hosts both a soccer and a volleyball match on Wednesday, September 23, per MaxPreps (read it at https://www.maxpreps.com/ma/soccer/match/lexington-vs-wilmington/9-23-2026/?c=d7112ec8-4c76-47c7-91c3-58e7e1fd0508).
COMING UP
Tuesday, September 22: the Council on Aging's Age Friendly Subcommittee meets remotely at 2 p.m., and the Board of Health holds a remote meeting at 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, September 23: the Board of Library Trustees' Executive Board meets at 12:30 p.m. at 1874 Massachusetts Avenue.
Thursday, September 24: the Board of Appeals holds a remote public hearing on a special permit at 4 Compton Circle, followed by its regular remote meeting, both beginning at 7 p.m. A Loss of Spouse/Partner bereavement support group also meets at 10 a.m.
Compiled from official town feeds, community organizations, and local press. Outside reporting is attributed inline.