WHO rejects calls by scientists to relocate Olympics over Zika virus fears

The World Health Organisation has rejected calls from 150 leading scientists to relocate or postpone the Olympic Games because of the Zika virus outbreak in Brazil. The Games would “not significantly alter” the spread of the virus, which began in Brazil a year ago and is linked to serious birth defects, the WHO said. It was responding to an open letter from 150 leading doctors, researchers and medical ethicists, who argued the threat from the virus meant it would be “unethical” for the Games to go ahead. The experts fear athletes and fans travelling to the event could become infected with the mosquito-borne disease and spread it to their home countries on their return.
When pregnant women become infected, Zika can cause babies to be born with unusually small heads and under-developed brains. The letter also asked whether the WHO’s reluctance to recommend any delay or relocation was due to a conflict of interest between the organisation and the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which work closely together
Responding to their concerns, the WHO said: "Based on the current assessment of Zika virus circulating in almost 60 countries globally and 39 in the Americas, there is no public health justification for postponing or cancelling the games.
"The best way to reduce risk of disease is to follow public health travel advice."
The IOC has also said it sees no reason why the Zika outbreak means the Games should be relocated or delayed.