Zika Virus Prompts Some Minnesotans to Change Travel Plans

MINNEAPOLIS  - Travel agents report some Minnesotans are rescheduling their winter trips to warm weather destinations because of concerns about the mosquito-borne Zika virus.

The travel agents say they warned customers heading to affected areas.

The Zika virus is spreading after being detected last year in Brazil. In most people the virus causes only a mild illness, but there's mounting evidence linking it to a birth defect.

Owner Bonnie Lee says her agency, Travel Leaders in Albertville, specializes in booking destination weddings, which tend to involve younger people. Lee says she recently canceled trips for about six travelers, including couples, because one partner was in the early stages of pregnancy.

Owner Craig Beal of Travel Beyond in Wayzata says one traveler canceled a trip to Costa Rica on Friday.