Abandoned River Country
Starting Sunday, Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando and Sea World will distribute free insect repellent to Guests. Disney will provide it at the theme parks, Disney Springs and ESPN Wide World of Sports. Hotel rooms will also be stocked with aerosol bug spray. Resorts will inform Guests about the protection available.
“In an abundance of caution, we are accelerating preventative efforts throughout our property, including providing complimentary insect repellent to our Guests along with helpful guidelines from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention,” Disney said in an emailed statement to the Orlando Sentinel.
Zika cases were found in Miami Beach and Pinellas County (close to Tampa, FL). There have been 43 cases of Zika found in the state of Florida. (source)
Zika is a threat for those who are pregnant and have been linked to microcephaly in unborn babies. If you aren’t pregnant, the C.D.C. does not recommend a particular antiviral medication for people infected with the Zika virus. The symptoms are mild – when they appear at all – and usually require only rest, nourishment and other supportive care. (source)
I want my readers to be aware and to be proactive to protect themselves. Do your research on what insect repellents are best for your family.
The Orlando Sentinel also reported that Walt Disney World is draining and filling in the pool at the long-abandoned River Country. They say this has been in the works for a while. Either way, it is definitely breeding ground for mosquitos and it is good that they are filling it in.
(Thanks Orlando Sentinel)
Fort Wilderness*
The entire lagoon is a breeding ground for mosquitos as well as the creek/stream in Fort Wilderness and all of the swamp land and ponds on the Disney property. Unfortunately, for those of us affected by mosquitos, they are a big part of living in Florida!
We are staying at Firt Wort Wilderness Campground this December. Is it going to be safe! I am assuming Disney is spraying the area like crazy!
I would be more afraid of the toxic chemical sprays, than the virus.