As classes begin at school districts in Miami this week, officials are trying to protect students from the Zika virus.
Approximately 7,600 students will be attending schools in the so called Zika Zones, and nearly 3,300 of those students will be within a mile and a half of a spot on Miami Beach where Zika transmissions have been confirmed by health officials, reports CBS News.
As a result, the Florida Department of Health handed out free bug repellent at Miami Beach Senior High School and encouraged students in other schools to use repellent before classes. Officials are instructing students to spray themselves before the school day because of concerns about asthma.
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In addition, officials with Miami-Dade Public Schools handed out long sleeve shirts and pants for students in a proactive effort to protect students.
Two areas have been designated Zika zones by health officials because they’ve been the location of known contractions of the virus.
Superintendent of Miami-Dade Public Schools Alberto Carvalho said he originally considered relocating students but decided against it.
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