5:15pm ET
The mosquito-borne Zika Virus is slowly making it's way to central Florida and Orlando-area theme parks are taking action.
Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and Sea World are all offering complimentary bug spray at their parks in an effort to raise awareness and combat the virus.
When guests first check into their Disney resort, they will now find an aerosol can of mosquito repellent in their room. In addition to the complimentary spray at the resorts, guests can also load up at the parks. Mosquito stands and safety guides can be found at various locations around the parks. At those kiosks, guests are also able to spray themselves with the repellent and are encouraged to grab an informational handout regarding mosquito prevention and Zika awareness.
If guests cannot find any mosquito kiosks around property, they can stock up at the First-Aid center (there's one in each park).
More on Zika:
The Zika Virus is transmitted through mosquitos infected with the disease. The Center for Disease and Control says the disease can also be sexually transmitted-- and that pregnant women are at the highest risk. Zika has led to birth defects, most notable Microcephaly. Central Florida is a hotspot for Zika due to the amou
nt of people traveling in-and-out of the tourist capital of the nation. Being first discovered south of Florida, Puerto Rico and Brazil have seen the most cases of infected patients and the CDC is recommending expecting mothers to not travel to those areas. Meanwhile, many people are still traveling to the U.S., prompting Governor Rick Scott and other Florida officials to take action.
FL Gov. Scott has been asking Congress for grants to expedite the process of finding a Zika cure. While Congress is in recess, no extra money has been issued... leading Scott to find other ways to get his point of how important Zika is across. He says he applauds the theme parks for what they are doing, and urges homeowners to make sure there is no stagnant water on their properties.