2016 Rio Olympics Safe from Zika Virus, Says Brazil's Interim President
WHO Supports Statement; Get to Know the Details on the Upcoming Sports Event
Brazil's interim President Michel Temer announced on Wednesday that the Olympic Games is safe from the Zika virus and that there is "almost no risk" of getting the disease during the big event.
"We can guarantee, as has the World Health Organization (WHO), that there is almost no risk of cases of the Zika virus occurring during the Games," said Temer as he pointed out that the 2014 World Cup was also threatened by an epidemic but came out safe from it. He also explained how the cool weather in the Southern Hemisphere has led to a massive drop of the disease, and the number of cases has went down dramatically all throughout Brazil.
WHO supported the claim of the president and said that Brazilian authorities are now tightening up safety and control measures throughout the whole venue of the Olympics. WHO told ABC News, "There should be no general restrictions on travel and trade with countries, areas and/or territories with Zika virus transmission."
The Zika virus is a mosquito-borne disease that has spread through Latin America infecting 1.5 million people and caused 1,300 babies to be born with the condition of below-average-sized heads and brains called microcephaly. Contracting the virus might result to common flu, neurological illnesses, paralysis and even death. There is no vaccine for the virus yet.
Even though Temer and WHO confirmed that Rio de Janeiro is prepared to receive all sports fans and athletes coming in for the Olympic games, numerous sports personalities have withdrawn or are thinking twice of attending the event. Some of these personalities are Andrew Bogut, who stated a firm opinion on the Zika scare, as well as Jason Day, Rory Mcllroy, Tejay Van Garderen, Steph Curry and Vijay Singh.
Washington Post reported of the doubts of Infectious Disease specialist Jesse Alves of Emilio Ribas Hospital, saying that she is seeing "exaggerated optimism" regarding the matter at hand.
The 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics is scheduled to start on August 5 and end on August 21, promising exceptional reception and world-class facilities to maximize the athletes' experience.