Zika Virus Latest News & Updates: Zika Not The Culprit For Athletes’ Withdrawal From The 2016 Rio Olympics?

Due to the fears over the Zika virus crisis in Brazil, several athletes have backed out of the upcoming 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. However, a recent report claimed that Zika may not only be the culprit for the withdrawal.

Why Golfers Ditch The Olympics

Even though Zika virus can be potentially deadly, David Kahn of Bloomberg View outlined another reason why athletes, particularly golfers, have withdrawn their participation in the Olympics. According to Kahn, the Olympics may not be a priority for them.

"If the Zika mosquito had descended upon Rae's Creek at Augusta National in April, it strains credulity that any of these stars would have pulled out of the Masters field," Kahn wrote. "That's because a Masters green jacket is a more precious commodity for professional golfers than a bronze, silver or even a gold medal."

Rio Olympics' First-Ever Insect Repellant Partner

In other Zika-related news, the 2016 Rio Olympics organizers have reportedly collaborated with SC Johnson's OFF! brand, which is considered as a widely-used mosquito repellant in Brazil. According to Bloomberg, the company will be distributing OFF! bottles to volunteers, staff and athletes at the event.

"We're working twenty-four seven," SC Johnson's Brazil head Stephane Reverdy told the publication via a phone interview on Tuesday. "People come to Rio from very far, they want to enjoy the Olympics, they want to enjoy their time, and don't want to be bothered by anything."

Golfers, Journalist Ditch 2016 Rio Olympics Due To Zika Crisis

Several golfers including Jason Day, Rory McIlroy, Adam Scott, Shane Lowry, Branden Grace, Louis Oosthuizen and Charl Schwartzel have already announced that they will not participate in the upcoming 2016 Rio Olympics next month due to concerns over Zika virus. Aside from them, "Today" co-host Savannah Guthrie, who's currently pregnant with her second baby, has also announced in early June that she couldn't help in the coverage of the Olympic event, citing the fears over about Zika virus' connection to miscarriages and birth defect as the main reason, USA Today reports.

In addition, Japanese golfer Hideki Matsuyama has also announced on Sunday that he's not participating in the upcoming Olympics due to the Zika virus crisis. ESPN reveals that Matsuyama is the seventh golfer out of the 11 participants who has withdrawn from the event.

What do you think is the impact of the Zika virus crisis in the upcoming 2016 Rio Olympics? Sound off below and follow Parent Herald for more news and updates.