Mosquito Repellent To Be Given Away At Walt Disney World To Try To Combat Zika Virus

From Sunday, insect repellent will be given out at Walt Disney World, with reports of the Zika virus getting closer to Orlando, Disney are trying to get ahead of the problem to reassure guests, as the virus can cause severe birth defects in pregnant women.

The virus has been spreading across the Americas and Disney have confirmed that there will be variety of different types of mosquito repellent available at Disney Springs, ESPN Wide World of Sports and at its theme parks.  Hotel guests will also find aerosol cans located in their rooms.

Signs will be posted throughout the resort to advise and remind guests of the availability of the repellent.

Disney confirmed to the Orlando Sentinel:

“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.”

Our Take:

It’s a short term measure that might put guests minds at ease if there are plenty of repellent around for people to use free of charge.  However the long term effects of this problem will be effecting attendance at the parks from visitors outside the area, especially with warnings going out by many governments not to travel to those locations where the virus is.  This news may have the exact opposite effect Disney want and put people off going, however it will make guests visiting feel better protected.

What do you think of Disney giving out repellent?