Public Health Notice Regarding Zika Virus, 2016 Paralympics and Olympic Games
Topic: Warnings and Advisories
Author: WHO
Published: 2016/05/28 - Updated: 2023/10/10
Publication Type: Announcement / Notification - Peer-Reviewed: Yes
Contents: Summary - Introduction - Main Item - Related Topics
Synopsis: Public health advice from WHO regarding the RIO 2016 Paralympic Games, Olympics and Zika virus threat. Brazil is 1 of almost 60 countries and territories which to date report continuing transmission of Zika by mosquitoes. WHO advises pregnant women not to travel to areas with ongoing Zika virus transmission. This includes Rio de Janeiro.
Introduction
Based on current assessment, cancelling or changing the location of the 2016 Olympics will not significantly alter the international spread of Zika virus. Brazil is 1 of almost 60 countries and territories which to date report continuing transmission of Zika by mosquitoes. People continue to travel between these countries and territories for a variety of reasons. The best way to reduce risk of disease is to follow public health travel advice.
Main Item
WHO advises pregnant women not to travel to areas with ongoing Zika virus transmission. This includes Rio de Janeiro. Pregnant women's sex partners returning from areas with circulating virus should be counselled to practice safer sex or abstain throughout the pregnancy.
Anyone considering travel to the Olympics should:
- Follow the travel advice provided by their countries' health authorities, and consult a health worker before travelling.
- Whenever possible, during the day, protect themselves from mosquito bites by using insect repellents and by wearing clothing – preferably light-colored - that covers as much of the body as possible.
- Practice safer sex (for example, use condoms correctly and consistently) or abstain from sex during their stay and for at least 4 weeks after their return, particularly if they have had or are experiencing symptoms of Zika virus.
- Choose air-conditioned accommodation (where windows and doors are usually kept closed to prevent the cool air from escaping, and mosquitoes cannot enter the rooms).
- Avoid visiting areas in cities and towns with no piped water or poor sanitation (ideal breeding grounds of mosquitoes), where the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes is higher.
WHO/PAHO is providing public health advice to the Government of Brazil and the Rio 2016 Organizing Committee, on ways to further mitigate the risk of athletes and visitors contracting Zika virus during the Games. An important focus of WHO advice revolves around measures to reduce populations of Aedes mosquitoes which transmit chikungunya, dengue and yellow fever in addition to Zika virus.
Based on the current assessment of Zika virus circulating in almost 60 countries globally and 39 countries in the Americas, there is no public health justification for postponing or cancelling the games. WHO will continue to monitor the situation and update our advice as necessary.
Attribution/Source(s):
This peer reviewed publication was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World due to its significant relevance to the disability community. Originally authored by WHO, and published on 2016/05/28 (Edit Update: 2023/10/10), the content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity. For further details or clarifications, WHO can be contacted at who.int. NOTE: Disabled World does not provide any warranties or endorsements related to this article.
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Cite This Page (APA): WHO. (2016, May 28 - Last revised: 2023, October 10). Public Health Notice Regarding Zika Virus, 2016 Paralympics and Olympic Games. Disabled World. Retrieved October 16, 2024 from www.disabled-world.com/disability/emergency/advisories/paralympics-zika.php
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