A new travel advisory has been issued for parts of Miami Beach after the Zika virus spread from the Wynwood area. Pregnant women are advised to avoid this area.
After what Eden Roc Hotel administration calls "a misunderstanding," the hotel has canceled and refunded a reservation made by a pregnant woman and her family.
The family of three is soon to be four and looking for a little break before sending their son back-to-school. Tim Sparks made a reservation at the Eden Roc hotel in Miami Beach Friday morning.
"We often eat at the restaurants at the Eden Roc and enjoy it; it's a great environment," said Sparks.
After learning that parts of Miami Beach are home to the latest confirmed cases of Zika, the family changed their plans.
"If my wife wasn't pregnant I wouldn't of made the call," explains Sparks.
Sparks' wife, Rafi, spoke with a hotel employee Friday afternoon to find out if they could modify or cancel their stay due to the CDC's advisory for pregnant women to avoid areas of active Zika transmission.
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"I said I'm pregnant and I'm 24 weeks pregnant," Rafi Sparks said. " He said we aren't concerned about that because it's not life threatening for you."
Five people tested positive for Zika in Miami Beach; three tourists and two residents. The new Zika Zone now spans from 8th street to 28th street on Miami Beach. This includes: Lincoln Road, Ocean Drive, Flamingo Park and Miami Beach High. The Eden Roc Hotel not part of that Zika Zone.
Tim Sparks added: "They weren't willing. He cited an inter office email that no Zika cases will effect their already established cancellation policy."
But on Saturday evening, Eden Roc hotel administration released the following statement to NBC 6: "We have canceled and refunded the Sparks' reservation as we have with all previous pregnant guests concerned with Zika. This was simply a misunderstanding and we apologize for the mistake. We hope to welcome the Sparks family to the hotel after the birth of their child."
