Brazil announces measures to minimise Zika virus infection during Olympics

Brazil’s health authorities have announced measures to prevent the spread of the Zika virus during the Olympics in August this year.

“Olympics and Paralympic venues will be inspected on a daily basis”, spokesman, for Rio 2016 Philip Wilkinson said.

The mosquito- borne disease, Zika virus,is linked to birth defects where babies are born with abnormal small heads known as microcephaly.

The Zika virus is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which is also known to carry the dengue and yellow fever.

Olympics officials said they are following guidelines from health authorities.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, issued an alert, warning expectant mothers not to travel to the affected countries.

However Brazil officials have advised the pregnant women to consult their doctors before visiting the country. Public health officials are meanwhile educating residents in cities across Brazil and also fumigating breeding areas.

Olympics officials have assured that the current measures put in place will minimise infections among in tourists during the games.

Brazil’s Health Ministry confirmed the Zika virus in November. At least 3,500 suspected cases of microcephaly have been reported by the health ministry, since October.