Health

Zika outbreak: Disney World, Orlando theme parks offer free bug spray

Orlando's major theme parks are now offering free bug repellent to visitors as concerns about mosquito-transmitted Zika virus mount in Florida.

No mosquito-transmitted case of the Zika virus has been found in central Florida

A community worker at the Wynwood Community Service Center, right, hands out insect repellent in Miami. Orlando's major theme parks will also offer free bug repellent to visitors as a precaution against Zika infection. (Alan Diaz/Associated Press)

Orlando's major theme parks are now offering free bug repellent to visitors as concerns about mosquito-transmitted Zika virus mount in Florida.

Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort and SeaWorld Orlando on Sunday began offering the mosquito spray and lotion free of charge at their parks.

No mosquito-transmitted case of the Zika virus has been found in central Florida. But theme park officials say they're offering the repellent as a precaution and to ease the fears of visitors.

The Department of Health is investigating mosquito-transmitted Zika cases in Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties in South Florida, as well as in Pinellas County in the Tampa area.

Zika causes a mild illness in most people but can lead to severe brain-related birth defects if women are infected during pregnancy.

In total, about four million Canadians visit Florida annually, Canada's chief public health officer has said. 

There have been no reported cases of individuals infected by mosquitoes in Canada. Travellers are advised to take precautions against mosquito bites at all times. 

The Zika virus can also be sexually transmitted. 

With files from CBC News