The head of the World Health Organisation (WHO) is confident that the Zika Virus will pose a ‘low risk’ to athletes at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics.
Margaret Chan spoke to reporters in Beijing about the current concerns regarding the Zika Virus, which has lead to a series of high profile tennis players withdrawing from the event. The mosquito-borne infection has infected thousands in Brazil this year and it is especially dangerous to pregnant women. Nevertheless, Chan is convinced that the current outbreak in under control and is being correctly managed.
“We feel that the risk of Zika infection is low for an individual, and it is manageable,” Chan said in Beijing.
“As long as individuals take appropriate personal protective measures, including the use of a mosquito repellent, including wearing clothing that prevents mosquito bites,” she added.
Regardless of the reassurances from the WHO, many athletes has decided not to risk it. Milos Raonic, Simona Halep, Alexandr Dolgopolov, Karolina Pliskova and Tomas Berdych have all withdrawn over Zika fears.
World No.1 players Serena Williams and Novak Djokovic have refused to follow the trend of withdrawals by committing to the four-year sporting event. During this week’s Rogers Cup, Djokovic has argued that the high publicity of the virus has made it appear more dangerous that it actually is.
‘I did get more information on it and my intention is to play Olympic Games. Because from the information I got, it’s not as it’s presented, not as dangerous.” Djokovic said about the Zika virus.
“Of course, there is always a possibility that you can get the virus, but maybe I think all the buzz and fuss about the virus has been created with some kind of other intent so I’m not going to get into.”
Djokovic’s comments have been backed by Brazilian doubles specialist Bruno Soares. The 34-year-old have publicly blasted players withdrawing because of the Zika Virus, calling it a ‘weak excuse’.
How many people died from Zika? How many people died from terrorism? Don’t see athletes changing schedule because of that. #theZikaEffect
— Bruno Soares (@BrunoSoares82) 17 July 2016
The Olympic tennis competition will start on August sixth at the newly built Olympic Tennis Centre in Barra da Tijuca. Top seed Williams is targeting a fifth gold medal in the women’s draw and Andy Murray is bidding to become the first man in history to successfully defend the Olympic singles title.
