WHO: No Zika infections during Rio Olympics

Saturday, 29 Aug, 2016 0

Despite months of scare stories that the Rio Olympics would be a hotbed for Zika infections, it seems not a single case has been reported so far as a result of the Games.

The World Health Organization says there have been no cases so far, but that may change due to the incubation period before symptoms become apparent.

"From the reports WHO received from national health authorities, there have so far been no laboratory confirmed cases of Zika virus in spectators, athletes or anyone associated with the Olympics," WHO said.

"The situation is being closely monitored; a few cases may still occur.

August is the winter season in Brazil, when Zika-bearing mosquitoes are typically less active.

Due to fears over the spread of the disease many athletes boycotted the Games and a group of prominent medical professionals called for the event to be postponed or moved to another host city ‘in the name of public health.’

Meanwhile the gas station that was the scene of swimmer Ryan Lochte’s infamous armed holdup that never was, has now become a tourist attraction.

The Auto Posto Jardim Oceanico da Barra Shell station has been inundated by selfie stick wielding visitors and has been included on a full day Rio Olympic-themed tour.

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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.