As the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil looms, experts issued a warning about the potential threat of Zika virus as it continues to spread. Europe, in particular, is urged by the experts to be equipped in dealing with the possibility of the spreading of the infection.
Zika virus has gradually turned into a global crisis, with 60 nations and territories have reported Zika transmission. In fact, 10 countries have reported person-to-person transmission while eight other territories showed rising cases on microcephaly and other fetal malformations and 13 with burgeoning occurrences of Guillain-Barre syndrome, which were all linked to Zika virus.
Zika Virus To Invade Europe?
As thousands of tourists and athletes are expected to attend the 2016 Rio Olympics, experts advised various European nations to be prepared for Zika virus infections. According to Science Daily, World Federation of Neurology (WFN) Zika Working Group chair and New Orleans' Louisiana State University professor John England stressed that Europe, as well as other nations worldwide, should be prepared to combat the spread of the Zika virus.
Even though there already cases reported in Europe, particularly in France and Germany, England added that the risk of Zika transmission in Europe will be likely expected on people getting infected elsewhere and then returning to the continent. Those who are attending the 2016 Rio Olympics are also highly vulnerable to get infected.
"All European countries should put measures in place in order to detect imported cases of Zika virus early and should provide public health advice to travelers to and from affected countries, including on sexual transmission," England said.
The Significance Of Zika Virus Awareness And Neurological Expertise
Since there are no effective treatment and vaccination available for Zika virus, experts urged world leaders to boost their efforts when it comes to awareness and information dissemination regarding prevention and personal protection of the virus. In addition, WFN president and London professor Raad Shakir told the Second Congress of the European Academy of Neurology in Copenhagen, Denmark that neurological expertise will be vital in combating Zika virus' effects.
Other experts also added the need to create a diagnostic criteria for the neurological complications associated with Zika virus infections. They also noted the need to boost awareness regarding the actual risks involved with Zika infections.
Athletes Ditch 2016 Rio Olympics Due To Zika Virus
Meanwhile, athletes are reportedly contemplating not to attend the 2016 Olympics in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil on Aug. 5 to Aug. 21 due to the Zika virus. In fact, Fiji's Vijay Singh as well as Australians Adam Scott and Marc Leishman have already decided not to go, BBC News reports.
Famous golf players Rory McIlroy, Danny Willett and Shane Lowry, on the other hand, have all expressed their concerns about the Zika outbreak in Brazil as well as their possible participation at the Olympics. Andy Murray, the 29-year-old British tennis champ, has sought medical advice regarding the Zika virus infections prior to traveling to Rio.
Due to the Zika virus epidemic, NBA superstar Paul Gasol admitted on Monday that he may not be playing for Spain's basketball team at the upcoming Olympics. He also urged other athletes to consider the risks of infection, SB Nation reveals.
WHO's Recommendations Against Zika Virus
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) recently cautioned 2016 Olympics and Paralympics athletes and tourists to protect themselves from mosquito bites while in Brazil. The organizations advised to use insect repellents and wear adequate clothing.
Aside from those, attendees should also practice safe sex or abstain from sex during their stay and four weeks after their return. It is also advisable to opt for air-conditioned accommodation while pregnant women should never travel to areas with ongoing Zika virus transmission, including Rio de Janeiro.
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