The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that 19 countries that now do not have Zika have the right conditions for outbreaks if it is imported by people returning from the Olympics.
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The analysis pinpointed which countries faced an elevated risk of spreading Zika just based on anticipated travel by athletes and delegates to the Games in Rio de Janiero.
The museum features a number of interactive experiences such as visiting Rio de Janeiro and Olympic venues through virtual reality and the chance to try their hand at different events like Paralympic cycling, rowing and the 100-meter dash, which puts them up against Jamaican gold medalist Usain Bolt.
The estimated 350,000 to 500,000 global visitors and athletes from about 200 countries who are expected to travel to Rio de Janeiro for the Games represent a tiny fraction – less than 0.25 percent – of the total travel volume to Zika-affected countries in 2015, said the CDC.
The Mayor of Rio de Janeiro has asked Nintendo to bring Pokemon Go to Brazil in time for the Rio Olympics.
Zika is spread primarily through the bite of an infected mosquito, however, the virus can also be spread through sexual transmission. Of the participating 206 countries, 39 countries have current CDC travel notices for ongoing Zika virus outbreaks or epidemics and were therefore not considered at an increased risk.
However, the new report, released today (July 13), should help quell fears for many countries that do not now have the Zika virus: The CDC predicted that the Olympics will put only four countries at risk for importing Zika. The authors added that individuals should still remain vigilant in protecting themselves from the virus.
The CDC continues to advise all pregnant women to avoid travel to any areas with ongoing Zika transmission due to the risk of birth defects and that others should take steps to protect themselves.
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That’s because the four countries do not have substantial travel to any country with local Zika virus transmission, except for their participation in the Games.
