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Disney World, other Orlando-area theme parks give free bug spray to ease Zika worries

Posted at 10:06 AM, Aug 30, 2016
and last updated 2016-08-30 10:06:23-04

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- Orlando's major theme parks are now offering free bug repellent to visitors as concerns about mosquito-transmitted Zika virus mount in Florida.

RELATED: More Zika coverage

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.

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.