Zika Exposure Study A Priority In Light Of Olympics In Rio

Due to the Olympics being hosted in Rio, researchers are set to monitor the Zika virus exposure in a group of athletes, coaches, and the US Olympic Committee, thanks to a grant from the National Institutes of Health.

Dr. Carrie L Byington, who chairs the USOC's infectious disease advisory group, is leading the team in their examination regarding the length of the virus' stay in the body, and identifying the factors that affect the sickness, as noted by USA Today.

Catherine Y. Spong, the acting director of the NIH's Eunice Kennedy Shirver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development explained, "Zika virus infection poses many unknown risks, especially to those of reproductive age. Monitoring the health and reproductive outcomes of members of the U.S. Olympic team offers a unique opportunity to answer important questions and help address an ongoing public health emergency."

Reuters noted that the virus is especially concerning because it can cause potentially severe birth defects in babies - microcephaly, especially can lead to developmental problems. Other than that, the Zika virus has also been linked to Guillain-Bare - a rare neurological syndrome that can cause temporary paralysis in adults.

Scientists say that they hope to enroll at least 1,000 subjects, and will be following them for up to two years. Byington shared that this is because it is anticipated to include individuals in their reproductive years so that they will be able to study the reproductive health outcomes, as well as pregnancy outcomes.

The virus has spread in 61 countries and territories, most of which are in Central and South America. It has already been declared an international public health emergency by the World Health Organization. Only 20 percent of those who contract the virus display symptoms, and WHO advised pregnant women not to travel to these known affected areas. The Zika is primarily transmitted by mosquitoes, but was also shown to be transmitted sexually as well.

To increase protective measures especially during the Olympics, the USOC said that it will provide several months' worth of condoms for its athletes and staff heading to the games in Brazil.