Zika fears aren't stopping summer trips

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- As lawmakers on capitol hill argue over additional funding to fight the Zika Virus, many families are ready to take summer trips.

The mosquito-borne Zika Virus continues to spread through many parts of the world, so travelers need to take precautions to avoid bites. They include using repellent and wearing long sleeve shirts and long pants.

The Fresno County Health Department issued a health advisory to let people know which countries have zika.

"We know that several countries, the majority of the countries in South America, Central America, the Caribbean, and also the southern states of Mexico do have local Zika transmission," said David Luchini, Fresno County Health Department.

The virus is also active in Africa and Puerto Rico.

Luchini said pregnant women may want to reconsider trips into areas where Zika is present.

At Moriah's Travel, travel specialist Mary Pond said Zika fears have not impacted the travel plans of her clients.

"Surprisingly, it really doesn't. We've done more business into Mexico, Cancun this year than we have in the past. Our business is up 22 percent on travel into those areas."

Agents receive regular travel alerts because of the virus.

"We do advise our customers if they have concerns to contact the resort directly, and the resorts are doing all the spraying and everything that they need to do to keep the area safe," said Pond.

Pond said most of her clients taking trips this summer were flying to Hawaii and Europe.

President Obama has called on congress to approve $1.9 billion in federal funds to fight the Zika Virus.

Republicans countered with a $1.1 billion measure.