Kate Middleton 2016 Olympics News & Update: Duchess Of Cambridge To Skip Rio Over Zika Virus Watch

Pregnancy plans and Zika virus threat may keep the Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton from keeping Prince William company at the 2016 Olympics. Although Prince Harry had been front and center at the Invictus Games in Florida, Kate Middleton may not be as visible at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

The Daily Star reports that Kate Middleton and Prince William are planning to add to their family within the year. Kate Middleton and Prince William are reportedly aiming to have three children altogether.

Boxercise @MindCharity

The charity encourages physical exercise for mental wellbeing #HeadsTogether pic.twitter.com/7ox5QLnv8X

— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) May 16, 2016

  Given the rise in Zika virus infection cases, Kate Middleton would be well-advised to miss the 2016 Olympics altogether. Kate Middleton would not be alone in this choice as a number of athletes pulled out of the 2016 Olympics over Zika virus concerns in Rio de Janeiro.

Athletes and visitors to Rio de Janeiro, and other areas where #ZikaVirus is circulating, are being encouraged to: pic.twitter.com/YGq9jlSwgG — WHO (@WHO) May 12, 2016

Should Kate Middleton push forward with participating in the 2016 Olympics, her pregnancy will be at risk in case of infection. Zika virus infection runs a regular course on adults but tends to leave lasting damage to the fetus if a mother is infected right before or during pregnancy.

WHO advises athletes and visitors attending the 2016 Olympics to use mosquito repellants and practice sex safely to reduce Zika virus infection risk. Abstinence from sex during and at least four weeks after participation at the 2016 Olympics is also part of the Zika virus advisory.

WHO & @pahowho recognize athletes, visitors are seeking more info on #Zika risks & ways to prevent infection while attending Rio Olympics

— WHO (@WHO) May 12, 2016

Abstinence from sex for pregnant women with partners returning from Zika virus areas is also recommended. Should Kate Middleton get pregnant before the 2016 Olympics, the Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William will have to abstain from sex throughout the pregnancy.

Prince William will be accompanied by Prince Harry to the 2016 Olympics despite Zika virus concerns. However, Kate Middleton will have to weigh her priorities between public commitment and plans by the Duchess of Cambridge to extend her family.