Turns out the key to defeating the Zika virus is a bunch of dolphins.
While the Zika virus turned out to be almost non-existent in Rio during the Olympics, it is a major problem in sections of Miami, so much so that the CDC has warned pregnant women not to travel there.
The Miami Dolphins are preparing to play their first game at the newly-renovated Hard Rock Stadium, which is about 15 miles north of the troubled sections of the city. The NFL franchise is trying to help the cause by killing any and every mosquito they can get their flippers on.
All month, the Miami Dolphins have been treating the 265 acres of property around the stadium to proactively address Zika.
— Joe Schad (@schadjoe) August 25, 2016
The entire 265 acre site has been hosed down and doused with EPA-friendly pesticides (safe for people, pets and aquatic wildlife, per the team), treating areas with standing water around the stadium, and also fogging areas that might be at high risk for mosquito breeding.
The franchise is trying desperately to ease the fears of fans going to Thursday night’s game against the Titans, though they can’t do anything to stop fears about a potential tropical storm. Or the actual team that’s playing inside the stadium.
Good on the Dolphins for taking these steps. Even if their reasons are likely financially-motivated, it’s still going to help prevent people from coming into contact with the virus.
