Rio Olympics: athletes warned about Zika virus

Olympic organisers have insisted that the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro this August will not be affected by the outbreak of the Zika virus in Brazil, but also warned athletes and visitors to smother themselves in mosquito repellant to minimise the risks.

At a press conference staged the day after the World Health Authority declared that the clusters of brain-damaged babies - linked to but not proven to be caused by the Zika virus - constituted a global health emergency , the Rio 2016 organising committee said it would follow the guidelines issued by international and local authorities, but stressed this has not so far included a travel ban.

"At the moment we have a new problem and are facing this with the help of the government and the authorities. Our priority is the health of the athletes, the health of all Brazilians and protection for all those who work at the Olympics," said spokesman Mario Andrada. "We are sure this battle can be won and will not affect the Games."

The build-up to the event, which will start in a little over six months on 5 August, have been overshadowed by the alarming spread of the virus. Since Zika was first identified in Brazil last April an estimated 1.5 million people in the country have been infected by the mosquito-borne disease.

In four out of every five cases, there are no symptoms, but in other instances people suffer muscle aches, rashes and joint pain. More worryingly, scientists believe the epidemic is linked to a recent increase in cases of microcephaly - or abnormally small brains - in newborns.

Epidemiologists have warned that the Olympics could accelerate the spread of the disease to other countries through infections of athletes and other visitors. But the organisers played down such fears, saying the Games will be held in Brazil’s winter when the cooler, drier weather will reduce the number of mosquitoes.

To minimise the chances of the disease spreading, medical officials said extra care will be taken to identify and eliminate possible mosquito breeding grounds.

“The area (near the Olympic sites) will be constantly monitored and searched for stagnant water,” said

Joao Granjeiro, the director of medical services for Rio 2016. He also suggested athletes in the Olympic village should shut their windows and use air conditioners. "I also recommend adequate clothing and, if necessary, mosquito repellant," he told reporters.

Guardian services