Photo: Felipe Dana/AP
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has informed teams competing in the Rio de Janeiro Olympics this summer of the best practices for staying safe from theZika virusthat Brazilian authorities suspect has infecteda million peoplein the country.
The IOC’s statement to various national Olympic committees on Friday explained how athletes and visitors should take cautionary measures to prevent contracting the mosquito-borne illness that causes severe birth defects and is “spreading explosively” according to theWorld Health Organization.
The medical advice details procedures on how to avoid mosquito bites, including wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants and using mosquito repellent.
“At the same time, National Olympic Committees should consult with their national health authorities to get advice and guidance.”
The U.S. Olympic Committee is closely following developments regarding the spread of Zika and working with the IOC and WHO.
“Additionally we’re taking steps to ensure that our delegation and those affiliated with Team USA are aware of the CDC’s recommendations regarding travel to Brazil,” USOC spokesperson Patrick Sandusky said in a statement.
“We’re not even thinking of that. This has never been mentioned. No way. It’s impossible to do that. There is no reason to do that,” he told the news station.
The virus has been linked to microcephaly, a rare condition causing incomplete brain development in infants, and there is no reported vaccine or treatment for it.
Brazil reported its first case in May 2015 and the virus has since spread within the country and to 22 other countries, according to the WHO.
Some national Olympic committees have already issued warnings to their athletes, though.
“The health and wellbeing of all our Team members is paramount, especially those females in the Team of child bearing age. We have a responsibility to ensure that we educate and inform all prospective Team members of the potential risks and to put in place whatever mitigating measures we can,” Australian Team Chef de Mission, Kitty Chillersaid.
WHO’s International Health Regulations Emergency Committee will meeton Mondayto decide whether the Zika outbreak constitutes a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern.”
The Zika Virus: Your Questions, Answered
source: people.com
