MIAMI (WSVN) - Students and educators in and near Miami-Dade County’s Zika hot zones returned from summer break on Monday determined to avoid contracting the mosquito borne-virus, and local and state officials assured them they are doing everything they can to keep them safe.
There was no shortage of mosquito repellent at the six schools in and near Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood. “I’ve got Off! on right now,” said a student who modeled her light gray hoodie to 7News cameras.
“My dad and me, we went outside, and then my dad sprayed it all over me,” said student Zinana Benavente.
“They say it’s supposed to last hours,” said parent Juliette Smalls, “so I’m just hoping that what we can do is cross our fingers and hope for the best.”
As students across the county headed back to class, they said they’re not taking any chances. “When we’re transferring to classes, we don’t even know if we’re gonna get bit or not,” said another student. “Like, that was my main concern today.”
Long sleeves and long pants may be a little hot for August, but health experts said it’s better than leaving children susceptible to mosquito bites.
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At Jose de Diego Middle School in Miami, classroom lessons focused on Zika. “We need to come with a way that we can get this information out in the neighborhood and out in the community,” said a teacher.
Miami-Dade Public Schools Superintendent Alberto Carvalho also took part in giving Zika protection tips. “Dress them well, in long-sleeve shirts, long pants, and buy the insect repellent,” he said, “and then leave the rest up to us.”
The superintendent said the school district is taking measures to keep families informed. “A lot of robotic calls to parents, letting them know what Zika is, how to protect [themselves],” he said.
Carvalho said preparation is key, but he also doesn’t want anyone to panic. “This does not constitute a threat to young kids,” he said. “It constitutes a threat to pregnant women.”
Pregnant teachers and staff are, of course, a concern. “If there’s anybody who’s pregnant, then we engage in face-to-face counseling, and we explore the best options for those individuals,” said Carvalho.
In Miami Beach, three schools are in or near the second Zika zone. School leaders and Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine tried to calm parents’ fears. “We’re giving away bug repellent and certain uniforms with long sleeves. Things like that have been wonderful, and it shows that we’re on it,” said Levine. “We’re doing everything we can for preventative measures.”
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Florida Gov. Rick Scott was in Wynwood on Monday afternoon touring schools, and he promised to be transparent about disseminating Zika information. “That’s what you expect as a parent. You want good information,” he said. “People who live here want good information. Tourists want good information. That’s what we’re going to do; it’s going to be timely.”
The governor also talked about the possibility of more Zika zones. “Everybody’s working well together, and that’s what we’re going to keep doing,” he said. “I hope we don’t have any more [Zika zones], but time will tell.”
Students at Jose de Diego told 7News it was chilly inside the school to prevent them from getting too hot in their protective clothing. Over 4,000 students go to school in a Zika zone.
A Health Department representative was at every school in the affected areas on Monday to answer questions.
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