A puffy, white and reddish bump, or multiple bumps appearing a day or so after a mosquito bite. These are the common physical abnormalities caused by the Zika virus.

  According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, the spread of the virus has been determined, but in order to understand how this virus is spread, one must understand its root cause.

  The Aedes mosquitoes transmit the Zika virus. Common symptoms of the virus are mild fever, skin rashes, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain and malaise or a headache. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.

  In recent weeks, the CDC has issued an alert for citizens traveling to areas where the Zika virus is spreading.

  When it comes to traveling outside of the states, different corporations have different protocols to keep people safe from the spreading virus.

  In the Tampa Bay area, it is necessary to take precautions. For example, in the Channelside area, there are many different cruise lines that enter the Port of Tampa. When they visitors arrive, terminal employees are quick to inform the passengers of the virus and its symptoms.

  Cruise lines that enter the Port of Tampa include Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line and Holland America.

  All of these companies share one main thing in common. They all inform their passengers about the serious risks that come with traveling to a country with a Zika virus cases or an outbreak. If travelers arrive to sail on any of these ships, they will be thoroughly informed of the dangers that virus could have on them.

  When it comes to Royal Caribbean, the protocol of educating the passengers of the virus is to have the employees place various signs in different places inside the terminal.

  As people go up to the counters to check in or to receive their room card key, they will encounter the sign on top of the desk and will also be informed of the virus by the employees.

  Also, if a person wants to sail with another cruise line, they will encounter something similar. For example, travelers with Holland America receive a letter from the staff members and personnel who check them it. The letter provides a notice of the dangers of the virus.

  Heather Vaughn, leading supervisor of the cruise ships was asked about why ships have different protocols when it comes to raising awareness of foreign diseases. She simply said, “It depends on the cruise line itself. Some cruise lines want signs put up while other want their guest to have a copy of what they want to inform their guests.”