While Brazil is still in the midst of dealing and controlling the Zika virus outbreak, Rio De Janeiro is preparing for the Rio Olympics taking place in August 2016. In line with this, the World Health Organization (WHO) has released its Zika virus guidelines for athletes and visitors amidst calls that the sports event should be cancelled.
Public health expert Amir Attaran from Canada told The Guardian that it would be "indescribably foolish" and "monstrously unethical" for Brazil to proceed with the Rio Olympics. Zika cases in the country are still rising and in Rio alone, there are already 26,000 suspected incidents. It has the highest number of Zika cases among other states in the South American country.
Zika Virus To Put Half Million People In Danger
Half a million sports delegates are expected to travel to Rio for the Olympics if the event is not cancelled or postponed and this does not sit well with Attaran. "What is proposed is to bring half a million Olympic visitors into the heart of the epidemic," he said. He also pointed out that Zika's risk will be worse for countries that do not have a proper healthcare system in place. Once the athletes and visitors return home, they could unwittingly spark a global epidemic.
WHO & @pahowho recognize athletes, visitors are seeking more info on #Zika risks & ways to prevent infection while attending Rio Olympics
— WHO (@WHO) May 12, 2016
WHO's Zika Virus Guidelines For Athletes And Rio Visitors
Responding to the call for cancellation, the World Health Organization has issued guidelines for athletes and visitors coming to Rio in August. Among its recommendations Rio travelers should:
- Visit a health provider first before going to the country
- Wear protective clothing while in Rio
- Use and carry insect repellents
- Choose hotel accommodations that are air-conditioned
- Limit visits to overcrowded areas and impoverished places where sanitation might be problem
Pregnant women are discouraged to travel to the Brazil. The health organization also recommends safe sex or abstinence while in Rio, and at least a month after the athletes and visitors return home. The complete guidelines was released May 12 on the WHO website.
Athletes and visitors to Rio de Janeiro, and other areas where #ZikaVirus is circulating, are being encouraged to: pic.twitter.com/YGq9jlSwgG — WHO (@WHO) May 12, 2016
No Olympics Cancellation Says WHO, IOC
WHO also said that it has been working closely with the government of Brazil and underscored the fact that it will be winter when the Rio Olympics takes place. It is believed that the colder temperature will curb the risks of mosquito bites, hence cancelling the event is not necessary.
Meanwhile, The International Olympic Committee said it will not be postponing, moving or cancelling the games. "We are working with our partners in Rio on measures to deal with the pools of stagnant water around the Olympic venues, where the mosquitoes breed, to minimize the risk of visitors coming into contact with them," said the IOC in a statement per The Guardian.
