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Little Ebola impact expected on Central Florida travel

hank-fishkind

Ebola fears aren't expected to impact Central Florida's travel-based economy -- for now.

The first cases of Ebola diagnosed in the United States have prompted calls for travel bans from some countries, and a review of airport screening procedures.

Economic analyst Hank Fishkind says more than half of Orlando’s theme park visitors arrive by air.

He says they aren't expected to change their travel plans as long as the virus remains contained.

"People do a lot of advance planning for their vacations coming to Florida, especially when they're going to be coming by air. And there's a long lead time. So it would take something pretty dramatic to disrupt those plans."

Ebola screenings are taking place at five airports that authorities say receive the most travelers from West Africa – New York's J.F.K. International Airport, Washington Dulles and international airports in Atlanta, Chicago and Newark, N.J.

No Ebola cases have been reported in Florida.

Amy Green covered the environment for WMFE until 2023. Her work included the 2020 podcast DRAINED.