As Zika concerns rise in Florida, three of Central Florida’s major theme parks will provide free insect repellent to visitors.

  • Theme parks across Central Florida will hand out free insect repellent
  • Decision comes as Zika fears grow in Florida
  • More than 40 locally transmitted cases reported in Florida

Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld Orlando will hand out the free repellent on Sunday.

The decision comes after Gov. Rick Scott held a press conference last week about the ongoing Zika risk. He urged businesses to get involved in the effort to combat the virus.

Representatives from the theme parks say they are doing this out of “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 Centers 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 the topic,” said Jacquee Wahler, vice president of communications for Walt Disney World Resort.

Signs have been placed throughout Disney’s parks and resorts to let people know where to get the repellent. Repellent is also available at Disney Springs and ESPN Wide World of Sports. Aerosol cans will also be placed in guest rooms at the resorts.


Mosquito prevention sign placed at Disney Springs. (Christina Jensen, staff)

Visitors to SeaWorld Orlando can also get free insect repellent.

“Our parks have robust mosquito control programs in place to ensure the health and safety of our guests, team members and animals,” SeaWorld said in a statement.

In addition to SeaWorld Orlando, repellent will be made available at Aquatica Orlando, Discovery Cove, as well as Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Adventure Island in Tampa.

Universal Orlando released the following statement about the decision:

"Universal Orlando already has an aggressive, destination-wide prevention and management program in place for mosquitoes and other environmental issues. And we continue to work closely with local and state officials in this area. In addition--out of an abundance of caution and for their peace of mind--we will be making complimentary mosquito repellent available to guests upon their request."

One tourist at Disney Springs said she glad the parks are being proactive. "We don't know the long term effects of the Zika virus so people that are of child bearing age that are pregnant, we don't know how that is going to impact the in the future. So I think it's a really good idea," said Sarah McFarland.

A recent online poll by St. Leo University showed that concern about Zika continues to grow in the sunshine state.

The mosquito-borne virus, which is especially dangerous to pregnant, can cause fever, rash or conjunctivitis.

There have been more than 40 locally transmitted cases in Florida, according to the Florida Health Department.