2016 Olympics, Zika Virus Watch: What Happens When The Rio De Janeiro Summer Games Kick In?

The 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio De Janeiro could not be happening at a worse time in relation to rising Zika virus cases. With international travel ranking high among indirect contributors in Zika virus spread, US airports are setting up various safety measures.

BBC reports that the Zika virus scare has already led to a few athletes pulling out of the 2016 Olympics in Rio De Janeiro. Golf player Marc Leishman is the latest 2016 Olympics participant to pull out from the games.

An #OlympicFlame on a waterslide! WOW @OlympicFlame! You're going on so many adventures on your #RoadToRio pic.twitter.com/p91q8JIOrD

— Rio 2016 (@Rio2016_en) May 6, 2016

According to Fox Sports, more athletes expected to participate in the 2016 Olympics games in Rio De Janeiro are even now still deliberating. The Zika virus scare is reportedly a determining factor for the athletes travelling to Rio De Janeiro for the 2016 Olympics games.

Morrinhos: The torch lighting happened at base of the Christ statue - replica of the one in Rio #OlympicFlame pic.twitter.com/zMQsYUXJsH — Rio 2016 (@Rio2016_en) May 6, 2016

One such is Carmelo Anthony, who is supposed to join Team USA for basketball. "I don't even know what a Zika virus is," Carmelo Anthony said. "But I'll tell you what, it scares me when I hear about it."

Good morning! #Day4 of the #OlympicTorch Relay starts with the #OlympicFlame in Trindade, Goiás pic.twitter.com/VqDj1sMSMK

— Rio 2016 (@Rio2016_en) May 6, 2016

 
Carmelo Anthony is among many, who have heard of the term Zika virus and may have been acquainted with the dangers of infection, but do not fully understand the threat. The Zika virus is mainly mosquito-borne. However, the Zika virus may be transmitted by an infected individual through sexual contact.

USA Today reports that airports in the US have been setting voluntary measures to spread information on infection and response in relation to Zika virus. Sales of EPA-registered insect repellents are also being encouraged among airport shops and newsstands. Information on preventive practices against Zika virus infection are made available as well.

Collaboration between various airports and the Centers for Disease Control agency and health departments is proving to be the backbone of the Zika virus initiative. Hopefully, with such safety measures, more may be understood and discovered about Zika virus infection.