WHO issues advice for Olympic athletes, spectators to avoid Zika

On Thursday, the World Health Organization issued recommendations in regards to the Zika virus for Olympic athletes and visitors planning on attending the Brazil summer games.

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WHO’s recommendations include wearing insect repellant and clothing that covers as much of the body as possible, using condoms or abstaining from sex while in Brazil and for four weeks after leaving (since Zika can be transmitted sexually), sleeping in air-conditioned rooms so the windows won’t be open and avoid visiting over-crowded areas with no running water, as those are breeding grounds for mosquitoes that spread the virus.

The organization has not advocated for cancelling the games, unlike at least one expert who published an opinion piece in the Harvard Public Health Review, urging to move, delay or cancel the games scheduled for later this year.

More articles on Zika:
Senate reaches compromise on Zika funding
Infographic: Where in the US have Zika cases been reported? [May 13 update]
What does a Zika rash look like?

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