With the threat of the Zika virus moving closer to the Orlando area, the Sentinel is reporting that the Walt Disney World Resort will begin offering free insect repellent to guests beginning tomorrow. Various mosquito repellents will be made available at the parks as well as at ESPN Wide World of Sports and inside hotel rooms. Signs will be posted to inform guests of the repellent’s availability.
A statement from Disney reads: “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. We have an extensive mosquito-prevention and monitoring program in place, and we continue to work closely with local, state and federal experts on this topic.”
Earlier this week it was reported that Disney would be filling in the pool at their long-defunct River Country water park as a precautionary measure against Zika. The disease, first discovery in Brazil, has made its way to the States with cases being reported in Miami and potentially in Tampa — a mere hour from Walt Disney World.