The WHO Says The Rio Games Shouldn't Be Moved Because Of The Zika Virus
“Based on current assessment, canceling or changing the location of the 2016 Olympics will not significantly alter the international spread of Zika virus,” the World Health Organization said.
The World Health Organization on Saturday dismissed calls for the 2016 Olympics to be postponed or moved from Rio de Janeiro because of Brazil's ongoing battle with the Zika virus.
Leo Correa / AP
More than 150 public health workers and scientists have signed an open letter to WHO Director-General Dr. Margaret Chan and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) calling for the Games to be "postponed and/or moved to another location."
Andre Penner / AP
"An unnecessary risk is posed when 500,000 foreign tourists from all countries attend the Games, potentially acquire that strain, and return home to places where it can become endemic."
The mosquito-borne disease can lead to miscarriages or birth defects in pregnant women, according to U.S. health officials.
The WHO has declared the Zika virus a "global health emergency."
But the WHO on Saturday rejected calls for the Games to be moved or delayed, saying in a statement that "canceling or changing the location of the 2016 Olympics will not significantly alter the international spread of Zika virus."
The inside of the Olympic Aquatics Stadium in Rio.
Felipe Dana / AP