Chan noted that although Zika has been around for decades, it is only recently that the virus has been proven to cause severe birth defects and neurological problems including in newborn children. According to The Huffington Post, the contraceptives are lubricated with Starpharma’s own VivaGel product that provides an antiviral protection.
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The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) on May 12 advised pregnant women not to travel to Rio de Janeiro during the Olympics even though the games will take place during Brazil’s wintertime when there are fewer active mosquitoes and the risk of being bitten is lower.
The condoms with VivaGel, which are now sold only in Australia, will be given to the athletes aiming to decrease the chances of them getting infected with the Zika virus.
Captain Martin S Cetron from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), is on the panel.
The Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil are slated for August 5 to 21; the Paralympics follow on September 7 to 18.
“I would like to calm your fears over the Zika virus”, Sarah Paterson, continental manager for Asia and Oceania NOC relations for Rio 2016, told delegates at the Olympic Council of Asia and Olympic Solidarity Regional Forum.
Australian Stock Exchange-listed Starpharma Holdings and Ansell combined to produce the Dual Protect condoms, which provide protection via the physical barrier and a lubricant that contains an antiviral agent that counteracts viruses that cause sexually transmitted infections. He cautioned that the most important part of condom use is ensuring it is put on and removed properly, as well as used with appropriate lubrication to limit the possibility of tearing.
Brazil is one of the 58 countries and territories which to date report continuing transmission of Zika virus by mosquitoes. In the case of HIV, it works by keeping the virus from attaching to susceptible healthy cells. “There is no evidence that addition of an anti-infective alters the effectiveness of condoms, whether it improves them or makes them less effective”, Benjamin N. Haynes said.
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“Condoms work when used consistently and correctly every time”, Brooks said. “The condom has also been shown to “inactivate” HSV (genital herpes) and HPV (human papillomavirus)”.
