(Reuters) – The United States Olympic Committee (USOC) is to recruit two infectious disease experts to advise potential members of their Rio 2016 Games team who are concerned about the Zika virus outbreak in Brazil.
“I know the Zika virus outbreak in Brazil is of concern to many of you,” wrote USOC CEO Scott Blackmun in a letter sent to prospective Olympians.
“I want to emphasise that it is to us, as well, and that your well-being in Rio this summer is our highest priority.
“We have been in close contact with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as well as infectious disease specialists with expertise regarding the Zika virus.”
Brazil is the worst-hit country in the outbreak of Zika that is sweeping the Americas.
“We are learning more every day,” wrote Blackmun in his letter. “We continue to closely monitor the situation through the CDC.
