Zika concerns worry some Central Florida tourists

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The Zika virus has already taken a toll on Puerto Rico’s tourism industry, now international publications are warning Florida could be next.

Some tourists on International Drive told Channel 9’s Nancy Alvarez they’ve been warned about the Zika virus, while others said they’ve never heard of it.

Visitors from Argentina said they heard about the virus when they arrived at the airport in Miami a week ago.

Kami Kallio told Eyewitness News she was warned about the virus back home in Spain.

“It’s all over the news,” Kallio said.

There are signs more tourists may have Zika on their minds as the busy travel season approaches.

In Puerto Rico, where more than 1,100 cases have been reported, tourism officials said hotel reservations have been canceled; it adds up to $28 million in lost revenue.

The island's tourism department set up a website dedicated to Zika virus, encouraging visitors to come and simply take "common sense" precautions.

In Britain, a top health expert warned pregnant women and couples planning to conceive, to reconsider visiting Florida in the summer.

This is a message U.S. leaders are quick to reverse.

“Florida is a safe place to travel and visit,” said Rep. John Mica, R – Fl.

“We can create a vaccine, we can stop this from spreading, so properly applied dollars for research is my top priority,” Mica said.

For more about the Zika virus, click here.

Contact Nancy Alvarez for more on this story.

Cox Media Group