Zika Virus Spreading in Spring Break Destinations
Aaron Case | | Mar 12, 2016 06:45 PM EST |
(Photo : Photo : Getty Images) A group of vacationers on Spring Break in Cancun, Mexico. This is one of the areas that the CDC has said could be affected by the Zika virus.
The Centers for Disease Control has put several popular spring break destinations on Alert Level 2 for the Zika virus. Several well known tourism destinations - such as Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Mexico and even Miami - are part of the list.
The Zika virus is carried by mosquitos and can be transmitted sexually. Pregnant women are especially warned to avoid areas with Zika virus, as the disease has been linked to birth defects.
Like Us on Facebook
The CDC has released elevation maps of countries affected by Zika, stating that "the mosquitoes that spread Zika usually do not live at elevations about 6,500 feet (2,000 meters) because of environmental conditions."
The map of Mexico shows hotspots Cancun, Cabo San Lucas, and Playa Del Carmen - ranked two, four and eight respectively on a U.S. News' list of the top spring break destinations list - all under the 6,500-foot elevation.
Number 1 on the U.S. News list is Miami Beach, which is located in the county that has seen the most Zika cases in Florida. Miami-Dade County has had 27 cases of Zika virus, as of March 10.
The FDA is planning to conduct tests in Florida on mosquitos genetically modified to fight Zika virus. The tests will take place not far from Miami, in Key West.
Despite the high levels of concern, college students do not seem to be cancelling their travel plans. USA Today quotes University of New Hampshire senior Kyle Ferguson saying, "I'm not going to let it affect my trip, but I'll be careful about what I do in Cancun."
Experts have expressed concern over spring break travelers bringing the virus back with them, but no travel restrictions have been issued. The CDC simply tweeted, "Passport? Check. Insect repellent? Check. Condoms? Check. Pack smart - avoid #Zika on #springbreak."
Universities are also attempting to raise awareness of the Zika virus among students before they head off on break. Virgina Tech has a page on its website with tips and precautions such as sleeping inside with a mosquito net and wearing permethrin-treated clothing.
Apparently, spring break will carry on no matter what.
TagsZika virus, spring break, Miami, cabo san lucas, Playa Del Carmen, spring break miami, Puerto Rico
©2015 Chinatopix All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission
EDITOR'S PICKS
-
Did the Trump administration just announce plans for a trade war with ‘hostile’ China and Russia?
-
US Senate passes Taiwan travel bill slammed by China
-
As Yan Sihong’s family grieves, here are other Chinese students who went missing abroad. Some have never been found
-
Beijing blasts Western critics who ‘smear China’ with the term sharp power
-
China Envoy Seeks to Defuse Tensions With U.S. as a Trade War Brews
-
Singapore's Deputy PM Provides Bitcoin Vote of Confidence Amid China's Blanket Bans
-
China warns investors over risks in overseas virtual currency trading
-
Chinese government most trustworthy: survey
-
Kashima Antlers On Course For Back-To-Back Titles
MOST POPULAR
LATEST NEWS
Zhou Yongkang: China's Former Security Chief Sentenced to Life in Prison
China's former Chief of the Ministry of Public Security, Zhou Yongkang, has been given a life sentence after he was found guilty of abusing his office, bribery and deliberately ... Full Article
TRENDING STORY
-
China Pork Prices Expected to Stabilize As The Supplies Recover
-
Elephone P9000 Smartphone is now on Sale on Amazon India
-
There's a Big Chance Cliffhangers Won't Still Be Resolved When Grey's Anatomy Season 13 Returns
-
Supreme Court Ruled on Samsung vs Apple Dispute for Patent Infringement
-
Microsoft Surface Pro 5 Rumors and Release Date: What is the Latest?