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NewsDay

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Govt gives Zika virus assurances

Sport
THE government says it has instituted Zika virus prevention measures for Team Zimbabwe ahead of the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, which run from August 5-21.

THE government says it has instituted Zika virus prevention measures for Team Zimbabwe ahead of the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, which run from August 5-21.

BY HENRY MHARA

At least 31 athletes and 26 officials will represent the country in Rio, but there have been concerns over the contingent’s safety after the outbreak of the mosquito-borne virus, which has been linked to birth defects in babies, including tots being born with tiny heads.

The government yesterday said a prevention programme, in line with the published World Health Organisation and International Olympic Committee guidelines has been put in place.

Speaking at a joint press conference of the Ministry of Sports, Ministry of Health and Child Care and the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee officials, assured Team Zimbabwe that corrective measures have been put in place for their safety, while in Rio and when they return home after the Games.

Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care Aldrian Musiiwa urged the travelling contingent to protect themselves from mosquito bites by using repellents and to wear clothes that cover the body.

He told the travelling athletes to drink certified water, while pregnant women on the delegation have been advised not to travel to areas where there have been reported cases of the Zika virus outbreak.

Musiiwa said females should avoid pregnancy for at least 12 weeks after returning from Brazil, and for the men to use protection when engaging in sexual intercourse with their partners for a period of up to six weeks.

“We will organise surveillance for a period of 21 days, during which we expect the athletes to urgently get in touch with our health facilities should they experience any of the symptoms that include fever, skin rash, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise or headache,” he said.

More than 1 600 Zika cases have been confirmed in Brazil and it has spread to Central America and the Caribbean.

A string of athletes, including top golfer Rory McIlroy, have already pulled out of the competition, amid fears of the virus, which also causes severe illness.

There is no known cure for Zika, which has affected thousands of mums and babies in South America. The virus can also spread through sexual intercourse.