
2016 Rio Olympics Had No Reported Cases of Zika
Despite worldwide health concerns heading into the 2016 Summer Olympics, there were no cases of the Zika virus reported from anyone connected to the Games in Rio de Janeiro, according to the World Health Organization.
"From the reports WHO received from national health authorities, there have so far been no laboratory confirmed cases of Zika virus in anyone associated with the Olympics," the WHO announced Thursday (via Nick Zaccardi of NBC Sports).
The blood-transmitted disease was a major topic of conversation in the months leading up to the Games because of its prevalence in Brazil and the potential for it to spread through mosquito bites.
Numerous athletes skipped the Olympics or at least expressed concerns over the virus leading up to the Games.
Jason Day, the No. 1 golfer in the world, cited the risk as a reason not to compete:
Tennis also saw one of its biggest stars drop out, world No. 6 Milos Raonic. In July, the Canadian explained why on his Facebook page: "I am making this decision for a variety of health concerns, including the uncertainty around the Zika virus."
Meanwhile, even those who went to Brazil, such as controversial U.S. soccer star Hope Solo, had the disease on their minds:
"The situation is being closely monitored; a few cases may still occur, especially given the approximately one-week incubation period of the virus," the WHO added in its report.
Still, the absence of confirmed cases to this point remains a positive for everyone involved.
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