The International Olympic Committee’s Medical and Scientific Department has provided guidance for athletes, coaches and spectators who will be in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil for the 2016 Olympic Games.
The IOC is recommending that immunizations be up to date for diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio, measles, mumps and rubella. Additionally, hepatitus A outbreaks have been known to occur in Brazil so vaccinating for this is also encouraged.
Most of the IOC’s report focuses on the Zika virus. The Zika virus is primarily transmitted by mosquitoes, but can also be spread via sexual relations. Fortunately, it will be the winter season in Rio which will reduce the mosquito population and reduce the risk of acquiring the disease. However, the IOC is recommending that pregnant women should not travel to Brazil where the Zika virus is likely to be present. Additionally, the IOC is advocating for safer sexual practices with those who live in or travel to areas where the Zika virus is more prevalent.
For the World Health Organization’s full guidelines on the Zika virus and the Olympics, click here:Â https://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/releases/2016/zika-health-advice-olympics/en/.
