Orlando's major theme parks are now offering free bug repellent to visitors as concerns about mosquito-transmittedZikavirus mount in Florida.
Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort and SeaWorld Orlando on Sunday began offering the mosquito spray and lotion free of charge at their parks.
No mosquito-transmitted case of the Zika virus has been found in central Florida. But theme park officials say they're offering the repellent as a precaution and to ease the fears of visitors.
Theme park officials say they already have extensive mosquito control programs in place.
ThrillGeek Blogger Clint Gamache said he gets the safety concerns, but he hasn’t had any problems with mosquitoes there.
“I just think it’s a little bit of overkill to a certain extent but again I get why they’re doing it, but I don’t think it’s necessary,” said Gamache.
Gamache said he’s more worried about protecting himself from the sun when visiting the theme parks.
The Department of Health is investigating mosquito-transmitted Zika cases in Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties in South Florida, as well as in Pinellas County in the Tampa area.
Zika causes a mild illness in most people but can lead to severe brain-related birth defects if women are infected during pregnancy.
WMFE reporter Crystal Chavez contributed to this report.
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