Since May 2015, Zika virus has been a trending topic in the news. Each week, new reports of the virus have been made, and new developments in the spread of the virus have been discovered. What is disturbing about Zika virus is that it mostly occurs in tropical climates, one of which is Brazil where the 2016 Olympics will be held.
Zika virus is spread through the Aedes species of mosquito. These mosquitos become infected when biting someone who has already been infected with the virus, which is how it has spread so rapidly. Zika virus not only is spread through mosquitos, but it can be transmitted by sexual partners through fluids, and also through blood transfusions. The most severe way the Zika virus can be transmitted is from a pregnant woman to her fetus. If a pregnant woman contracts Zika virus, it can cause her child to have microcephaly, or a small head, which can lead to many brain defects and problems in cognitive functioning. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the symptoms of Zika virus can include fever, rash, joint pain and red eyes. Although these symptoms may be mild, they can last for weeks, and once someone is infected, they can risk spreading the virus to others around them.
Above: A case of Microcephaly in an infant, an effect of Zika virus.
There have been many problems surrounding Zika virus in Rio de Janeiro. Many teams are taking precautions in order to avoid contact with the virus. Athletes are being careful, being sure to wear protective clothing when they are not competing, and wearing bug spray in order to prevent being bitten by a mosquito. Around Brazil where other events will be held, the threat for Zika could be heightened because of the fear of athletes carrying the virus home after the Olympics end. The threat of Zika virus has had many effects on the organization of the Olympic games and has also prevented many athletes from coming and participating. However, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), there is a low risk of any athletes contracting Zika virus while competing at the Olympic games in Rio de Janeiro.
In addition to the fears of being bitten by mosquitos, there are threats of contamination through the water surrounding Rio de Janeiro. This water that Olympians will be competing in is highly contaminated with sewage and debris, as well as many other viruses. This risk of infection cannot only occur when competing, but when drinking unpurified water.
Brazilian officials are taking precautions to ensure the water is safe for athletes.
With 26,000 cases of Zika reported in Brazil, this is more than just an outbreak, but a public health concern that could continue to get worse around the world. With no known cure for Zika virus, it is said to be a danger to not only the athletes and the spectators, but to many living in the countries who will not be attending the games. If infected in Brazil, then these people could bring back Zika to their own countries. There is also a concern with inequality, as many poorer countries do not have the resources to deal with the symptoms of Zika if it enters the country.
One solution would be to move the Olympic games from Rio, but Brazil is already in a state of economic downturn from all the expenses of building Olympic stadiums and hosting the 2014 FIFA World Cup that the country could not afford to lose this boost in tourism. With Zika virus looming over the country, it has also prevented many from wanting to attend the Olympic games, leaving nearly two million tickets unsold.
The Olympics are a highly anticipated event that only happen once every four years, but with many problems surrounding the games, it is hard to say whether or not there will be the same amounts of viewership and participation as past Olympic games. It will also be crucial to athletes to protect themselves to prevent taking Zika virus back with them to their home countries, as it could affect the people living there. As Zika virus continues to spread throughout the world, it will continues to be the main concern of the Olympics, drawing less attention on the athletes and the competition itself.
