The World Health Organization (WHO)
has declared Zika to be a global health emergency, with the virus spreading
across Latin America, and Brazil in particular. The virus has been linked to
cases of microcephaly, which can lead to anomalies during pregnancies. Pregnant
women have been advised against traveling to areas hit by the virus, leading
to a major headache for organizers of the Games, which will run from August
5-21.
“Our priority is to protect the
health of the athletes,” Budgett told the Associated Press news agency. “The
IOC absolutely is not complacent. We do take this very seriously. Everything is
being done to contain and reduce this problem in the lead-up to the Games.
“Everything that can be done is
being done. We can give the reassurance that authorities in Brazil are taking
it extremely seriously. Concern and worry is appropriate, but there is no
restriction on travel. People need to take measures to avoid being bitten and
be sensible. There is no recommendation from health authorities to change
travel plans.”
Budgett added that there is no
chance of postponing the Games. “Absolutely not,” he said. “No one from the
public authorities or WHO or government ministry are actually saying we should
even consider cancelling the Games... The IOC are not experts on infectious
disease. We follow the experts, and the WHO and the others at the moment say
there is absolutely no restriction on travel, but to seek advice if you are
pregnant or planning to be.”
Rio 2016 organizing committee
spokesperson Mario Andrada said that a memo would be sent to National Olympic
Committees by the end of the weekend. “Our main job is to calm down everybody,”
Andrada said. “The panic is starting (to be) a little too much. We are looking
for true facts to make sure we don't generate any unnecessary worries.”
Last week, Rio 2016 organizing
committee director of medical services Joao Grangeiro (pictured) told a
press conference: “The preventive measures are being intensified, with
systematic inspections of not only the sporting facilities but also in
potential mosquito breeding areas in Rio de Janeiro."
