The Zika Virus And The Olympics - 5FF

5 Fast Facts - news fundamentals in a digestible form so you can participate in the next conversation. What is Zika, why are we talking about the Olympics, where are we now and what's next.

1.

Zika is a mosquito-borne disease, which can also be transmitted sexually, that can lead to birth defects including microencephaly and miscarriages. Zika has been declared a "global health emergency" by the World Health Organisation (WHO). To give an idea of the scale of Zika, 4,908 Zika-linked defects were reported as of April and 90,000 potential cases were registered between February and April this year in Brazil alone.

Instagram: @bbcnews

2.

The Olympics are due to begin in Rio, Brazil on August 5th 2016 . The huge influx of people could therefore increase the potential for Zika spread on a global scale, worrying officials, athletes and spectators alike.

3.

An open letter was sent to the WHO Director-General and the International Olympic Committee requesting the games be "postponed and/or moved to another location" as it would be "unethical" for the Olympics to continue. Over 150 individuals signed this letter including scientists and health workers. In the last few days WHO responded and rejected the request to move the games stating "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 canceling the games."

Instagram: @worldhealthorganization

4.

The Mayor of Rio, Eduardo da Costa Paes, has also commented stating that there are over 3,000 health officials tracking mosquitos across the city and eradication is already underway that will focus specifically on The Games venues as of July. Mosquito levels are reportedly lower during this time of year due to annual seasonal variations, also contributing to the ongoing arguments against postponing The Games.

Instagram: @olympics

5.

Currently WHO is working with the Brazilian government to advise visitors on how to minimize the risk of contracting the virus. This advice includes using insect repellant, covering up exposed skin and practicing safe sex.

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Sources

The WHO Says The Rio Games Shouldn't Be Moved Because Of The Zika https://www.buzzfeed.com/davidmack/who-rio-zika?utm_term=.qq2RQK95G#.ggDoxng80"

Zika crisis: WHO seeks to allay fears over Rio Olympics http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-36405689

CDC Widens Warnings About Zika And Pregnancy https://www.buzzfeed.com/danvergano/the-cdc-is-now-watching-nearly-300-pregnant-women-for-zika?utm_term=.fbNNqlwLQ#.dqvgbJpYj