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LATAM Airlines says no Brazil sales impact yet from Zika worries

Concerns over the Zika virus have not affected ticket sales at LATAM Airlines' TAM Brazilian unit, the regional carrier said on Monday.<br/>"So far, there has been no impact on reservations at TAM ... due to the cases of Zika virus in Brazil and in other locations where the airline operates," Chile-headquartered LATAM said. The rapidly spreading Zika virus, suspected to be linked to thousands of birth defects in Brazil, appears to be discouraging some tourists from travelling to Latin America and the Caribbean. Ratings firm Moody's warned on Thursday that TAM and smaller Brazilian carrier Gol Linhas Aereas were the most exposed to an expected reduction in air travel to Latin America due to Zika. LATAM Airlines is offering refunds or the option of itinerary changes to pregnant women planning to travel to Latin American and Caribbean countries affected by Zika.<br/>