Mosquito repellent trends at Wynwood 'Zika zone'

Zika crisis makes its way to streets known worldwide for outdoor art

MIAMI – Although four were infected with the Zika virus at Miami's Wynwood, the trendy area was full of tourists and locals on Friday and Saturday. But for the first time, there were likely more cans of mosquito repellent than spray paint.

Fear was not part of social media "#Wynwood" posts. Tourists were still taking photographs in front of graffiti pieces and artists were still climbing on ladders to paint murals. 

The bicycle tours continued. Art lovers were walking from galleries to boutiques. The restaurants' outdoor areas were open. Some were offering mosquito repellent as a courtesy and lighting candles with citronella. 

"The news is scary, but we cannot stop living our lives," said Vanessa Gomez, 33, who was out and about with her children at Wynwood Walls on Friday. 

On Saturday, Blanca Espinal said she was visiting from Honduras, where officials said there are at least 493 cases of pregnant women with the Zika virus. 

"We haven't had a problem with mosquito bites," Espinal said. 

Aside from the use of repellent, public health officials also recommended wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, but suggested people avoid the outdoors altogether.

Malon Lizano, a property manager, said he usually likes to eat lunch outside, but he is avoiding Wynwood outdoor spots now. But for Jenny Gray not visiting the area is out of the question. She works for a designer and said she will be wearing mosquito repellant. 

Wynwood is a transient area. It's also known for having a population of Puerto Ricans, were the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 5,582 cases as of the first week of July. 

There were more than 386 travel-related cases in Florida, according to the official Friday report. 

There is no treatment or vaccine for Zika, and the disease is difficult to detect, as it is not always symptomatic.

It can be painful. And for expectant mothers, contracting it means that their baby could be born with microcephaly, a condition causing brain defects and an abnormally small head. One baby was already born in Florida with the condition. 

Aside from mosquito bites, the disease also spreads through unprotected sex. Public health officials were also asking the public to use condoms to reduce their risk. 

For more information, call the Florida Health Department's Zika hotline at 1-855-622-6735.


About the Authors:

The Emmy Award-winning journalist joined the Local 10 News team in 2013. She wrote for the Miami Herald for more than 9 years and won a Green Eyeshade Award.