Zika virus leaves Kenya undecided about attending Rio Olympics

The mosquito-borne virus, which is widespread in Brazil and has been linked to birth defects, has prompted concern among athletes and sports officials around the world as they prepare for the August 5-21 Games in Rio de Janeiro.

National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK) head Kipchoge Keino said yesterday the country would not "risk taking Kenyans there if this Zika virus reaches epidemic levels," and that he was seeking reassurance from organizers.

But NOCK played down the comments, saying the East African country was monitoring the potential health threats from the disease and receiving regular updates.

"It is too early to make a determination on the status of the virus during the Games time which is six months away," said NOCK's chief of mission for Rio, Stephen Soi.

NOCK said Keino "may have been quoted out of context".

Kenya's sports minister Hassan Wario said yesterday the country has not yet decided whether to take part after meeting with health officials, according to the Daily Nation newspaper.

Kenyan athletes include some of the best middle and long-distance runners in the world and would likely be among the star performers in Rio.

Zika has spread through most of the Americas, with Brazil the most affected country. The World Health Organization declared an international health emergency on February 1 over the virus, citing concern over a possible link with a rise in cases of microcephaly, a birth defect characterized by an abnormally small head that can result in developmental problems. However, a causal link has not been proven.

WHO spokesman Christian Lindmeier, asked about travel advice for the Olympics, especially for pregnant women, said at a briefing in Geneva yesterday that the UN agency had no specific travel recommendations now. He added, "if you are pregnant, or wishing to get pregnant, consult with your specific health authorities on specific country travel advice."

The agency "is fully leaving it to national authorities to give out travel advice to the best knowledge and evidence they have available in the interest of their people," he said.

DECISION FOR INDIVIDUAL ATHLETES

Sports authorities are watching developments closely. In many countries the approach appears to be keeping informed and understanding that the decision to go to Rio will come down to individual athletes. Still, the suggestion that athletes might choose to skip the Games is a worry for Olympic organizers.