 |
Fears on different levels have been expressed about the risk of spreading Zika virus infections at the Olympic Games and the World Health Organization, (WHO) has put great efforts to allay people’s concerns.
In a chat with Chinese reporters, Dr Margaret Chan, the chief of the world health body said on Friday, a week before the event kicks off in Rio de Janeiro, that the risk of the infection is ‘low and manageable’.
About 500,000 people are expected to visit for the Games, many from the United States.
Worries about security, the Zika virus and an economic crisis could discourage travelers as about a third of event tickets are reportedly unsold.
“As long as individuals take appropriate personal protective measures, including the use of a mosquito repellent and wearing clothing that prevents mosquito bites,” she added.
The WHO assessment factored in the latest understanding of the disease and actions taken by Brazil, said Chan, adding that she would be going to the games in Rio de Janeiro.
“When you go to Brazil, to Rio, practice safe sex, please use condoms. Of course, we also have learnt from the latest evidence it’s not just infected men who can pass the disease to their sex partners”.
There was a case of a lady passing the disease to a man, last week; the discovery debunked the initial thought that Zika virus can only be transferred from a man to a woman. So it can go both directions.”
The WHO says there is strong scientific consensus that Zika is a cause of the birth defect microcephaly, or small heads in babies, as well as Guillain-Barre syndrome, a neurological disorder
No comments:
Post a Comment