Mass gatherings at Rio Olympics carry risk of Zika virus

The World Health Organization last night discussed the potential risks of the Zika virus during mass gatherings, including the Olympic and Paralympic Games scheduled for August and September 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, according to the official website of the World Health Organization, as reported by the Patria news agency.

The World Health Organization's Emergency Health Committee reported on the ongoing fight against the Zika virus infection. The risk of Zika virus infection has been recorded in Brazil, Cabo Verde, Colombia, France, and the USA. Potential risks of Zika virus transmission associated with mass gatherings at the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games were outlined.

There are reasons for serious concern, it was concluded. Surveillance, disease vector control, risk communication, clinical protection, safer travel measures, as well as research and development of products for prevention and protection against the virus will be strengthened.

The Committee provided advice for preventing infection among international travelers:

- Pregnant women should be warned not to travel to areas where the Zika virus has been recorded. Pregnant women whose sexual partners live in or travel to areas with the Zika virus should ensure safe sexual contact or abstain from sex during pregnancy. The Zika virus is otherwise transmitted by mosquito bite or sexual contact. A favorable circumstance is that the Olympic and Paralympic Games will be held during the Brazilian winter, when the possibility of infection is minimal.