Germany's Chief Olympic Doctor Says Zika Virus Isn't a Threat to 2016 Olympics

The Zika virus has generated concern leading up to the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, but Germany's chief Olympic doctor attempted to put athletes at ease Wednesday.  

According to Reuters, Bernd Wolfarth said that Zika is not a threat to the 2016 Olympic Games; however, he also cautioned that it shouldn't be completely ignored: "Apart from the fact athletes decide for themselves and freely whether they will compete or not, one must now follow the development (of the virus) very carefully."

As seen in this graphic courtesy of the Telegraph, the Zika outbreak is significant in Brazil in addition to the entire northern portion of South America:

Per the World Health Organization, the Zika virus is an airborne disease spread by mosquitoes, and while the symptoms are fairly mild, there is concern that the virus could cause birth defects.

According to Carl Zimmer of the New York Times, scientists are currently exploring potential links between Zika and what types of threats it may pose to unborn children.

That alone is enough to worry American soccer goalkeeper Hope Solo, who told SI.com (h/t ESPN.com) that she would not partake in the Olympics if they were occurring right now: "If I had to make the choice today, I wouldn't go. I would never take the risk of having an unhealthy child. I don't know when that day will come for [husband] Jerramy [Stevens] and me, but I personally reserve my right to have a healthy baby."

Solo isn't the only one who is wary of Zika, as Kenyan Olympic committee head Kipchoge Keino expressed apprehension about Kenya's participation, per Reuters (h/t ESPN.com):

"

Obviously, we are not going to risk taking Kenyans there if this Zika virus reaches epidemic levels. They have to assure us that the country is safe enough to take athletes there.

We have made it clear that unless they clean the venues of this potentially dangerous disease, we will not go there.

But if they assure us that things are in order and there is no risk to participants, mothers, we will go.

"

The Kenyan Olympic committee has since softened its stance a bit, according to Reuters, but it still intends to keep a close eye on the situation.

The road to Rio has featured no shortage of controversy from Zika to concerns over water pollution.

It isn't uncommon for Olympic host cities to face some challenges ahead of the Games, but with health issues at the forefront, Brazil has work to do between now and August to prove to athletes across the world that their safety will not be compromised.

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