Baseball cancels Puerto Rico series over Zika worries

NEW YORK (FOX 5 NEWS) - Major League Baseball has canceled plans to play two regular-season games in Puerto Rico later this month because of players' concerns about the riskof contracting the Zika virus, the league and the players' union announced.

The two games between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Miami Marlins were set for May 30 and 31 at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in Puerto Rico but will now be played at Marlins Park in Miami.

"After discussing the issue with all involved parties, and consulting with federal and Puerto Rican government officials at the highest levels, Commissioner [Rob] Manfred decided that the players who objected to the trip because of their specific family situations should not be forced to travel to Puerto Rico," MLB said in a news release.

The Zika virus is transmitted by mosquitos but can also be passed from person to person through sexual contact. The CDC has warned that the virus can cause birth defects.

The New York City Health Department is donating 1 million condoms to Puerto Rico to help prevent the spread of the virus.

Several countries and territories in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean are dealing with Zika outbreaks.