Jessica Ennis-Hill is considering changing her training plans ahead of this summer’s Olympic Games because of concerns about the unsafe Zika virus, which has reached epidemic proportions in Brazil. He is a biologist and lawyer who researches health issues. Zika has been scientifically proven to cause microcephaly in unborn children, resulting in babies born with abnormally small heads and severe brain damage.
Advertisement
A total of 24 Singaporean athletes from badminton, shooting, rowing, swimming, and table tennis are now set to compete at the 2016 Olympic Games, which will be held in Rio from August 5 to 21.
Brazil has been the epicentre of the Zika outbreak now affecting 58 countries and territories, with around 1.5 million people infected in the country since 2015. The South American giant is one of the nations most affected by the Zika virus, with 1,271 confirmed cases between October 2015 and April 2016, World Health Organization said.
According to a statement, World Health Organization and PAHO recognize that athletes and visitors are seeking more information on the risks of Zika and ways to prevent infection while attending the 2016 Rio Olympic and Paralympic Games in the summer. It said it is working with the World Health Organization and others to limit risks.
“I don’t know any player who’s even said, ‘I’m on the fence, ‘” Whan said. It also said the Olympics will be held during Brazil’s winter, when the mosquito population drops.
The IOC’s medical director, Richard Budgett, said that he would continue to monitor the situation closely, but he and the IOC authorities insisted the August 5-21 games would go on as planned.
The Zika virus entered Brazil a year ago and has since spread to over 50 countries.
Brazilian President DilmaRousseff is facing impeachment, the economy is in deep recession and the country is gripped by a vast corruption scandal centred on state-controlled oil giant Petrobras.
Even as the International Olympic Committee has attempted to allay concerns regarding the Zika virus, many participants and health officials are still vexed over myriad health concerns that Zika raises. Attaran is more than just a lawyer going off half-cocked; he is also a biologist and world health expert with a degree in immunology, so when he warns of an approaching pandemic, perhaps we should listen.
It did not call for moving the Olympics from Brazil.
Zika virus disease usually causes mild symptoms, and most people will not develop any symptoms. This includes Rio de Janeiro.
“The SNOC (Singapore National Olympic Council) will do their best to make sure the contingent is well-prepared for whatever conditions we are going to face in Rio”, echoed rower Saiyidah Aisyah. The WHO’s description of places to avoid applies to a large area of Rio de Janeiro, he said.
But Solo told CNBC television that she doesn’t plan to spend much time outdoors.
Rivaldo played football for Brazil’s national team from 1993-2003.
Can you imagine the public relations nightmare that would be for the nation of Brazil?
Advertisement
Bruce Alpert reported on this story for VOA Learning English. Write to us in the Comments Section or share your views on our Facebook Page.
