The University of Illinois is offering tips for students who may be spending spring break traveling to areas where the mosquito-borne Zika virus is prevalent.
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Renee Romano sent an email to students, faculty and staff about Zika. Romano says the school isn't advising to cancel travels plan but does suggest ways to minimize risks.
The World Health Organization says Zika has been reported in 31 countries across Latin America and the Caribbean. Most people exposed suffer only mild symptoms. But the risk is far greater for pregnant women because of a possible link to a birth defect.
UI McKinley Health Center director Dr. Robert Palinkas estimates between 4 to 9-thousand students will visit an affected area.
