CDC Issues Health Advisory as Multiple Illnesses Surge—What Disney World Guests Should Know

With winter in full swing, Florida experienced its coldest January in nearly two decades. The state known for sun and beaches even got up to eight inches of snow, crippling travel in the northern part of the state.

Besides the obvious issues with the weather in Florida, there is an unintended side effect that could make winter even worse and ruin vacations at Disney World: the cold forcing people indoors.

On the surface, that may not seem like a big deal, but with hundreds of thousands of people from around the globe converging on Dinsey World, it’s helping to spread diseases across the state. Now, the Centers for Disease Control has issued a warning that Florida is at high risk of a “quad-demic.”

Through wastewater testing, the Centers for Disease Control sees a “high” spread of influenza A, COVID-19, and RSV in the state. It is also seeing norovirus cases at “extremely high” levels in the state.

The CDC said that this year’s virus season is “much more active” than last year’s season. With so many people showing signs of illness, it’s putting a strain on local hospitals, which are recommending their staff start wearing masks again.

Saskia Popescu, a member of APIC’s Emerging Infectious Disease Task Force, told Axios:

Predictions for this respiratory virus season were that we would see peak January 1 and that it would likely mirror previous respiratory virus seasons. We’re obviously seeing it peak a little bit later. All of those mitigation efforts that you can do — washing your hands, covering your cough, cleaning, disinfection, being mindful of ventilation in shared spaces — that’s all going to help. 

Florida remains one of the least vaccinated states in the country despite having one of the oldest populations in America. Only 29.4 percent of Floridians have received a Covid booster shot, and only 39.5 percent have gotten their flu vaccine this year.

Walt Disney World guests need to take precautions, especially those who are elderly or immuno-compromised. Guests should keep a safe distance, especially at indoor queues or gathering areas.

Guests should frequently wash their hands and cover their mouths when sneezing or coughing. Most importantly, and this may be the most challenging part, stay home if you’re sick.

As winter drags on, Disney World guests need to be aware that these diseases can spread even in paradise.