ORLANDO, Fla. – Tourists in Central Florida say they are not concerned about the possible spreading of the Zika virus. But Gov. Rick Scott announced Thursday he's worried about people visiting from out of the country and wants to make sure everyone is safe.
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"It's really bad back in my country," Yasmin Coutinho said.
Coutinho is visiting Central Florida from Brazil. She says the Zika virus is a big problem in her hometown of Rio de Janeiro. Her sister contracted the mosquito-borne illness.
"When my sister got that she was like sleeping the whole day, she was red in her face, she went to the hospital," she said.
Coutinho is not worried about the virus in Central Florida. Concerns of the illness are spreading, especially as tourists from countries affected by it visit the Sunshine State. Gov. Scott says they are preparing for the worst, but hoping for the best.
"We will continue to be on constant communication with local hospitals, county health offices, and the CDC to ensure that we're prepared to prevent the spread of the Zika virus in Florida," Scott said.
The major theme parks in Central Florida say they are also in contact with health officials. Operations at Orlando International Airport are normal at this time. Scott says they are taking proactive steps to get ahead of the virus. But visitors like Coutinho are not letting the concerns ruin their visit.
"It's not that bad. I don't think it will happen here."
Scott confirmed 12 cases of the Zika virus in Florida. He says all of them are travel-related. The governor also upgraded the health emergencies to include five counties.