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04/29/2024 05:19:27 am

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Zika Virus Spreading in Spring Break Destinations

Spring break

(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.

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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. 


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