UN enlists expert panel in determining Zika risk at Rio Olympics
- 8 years ago
The leader of the World Health Organization is putting together an expert committee to assess whether the Rio de Janeiro Summer Olympics should proceed as planned, amid growing concerns surrounding the Zika virus.
Last month, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen asked WHO Director-General Dr. Margaret Chan to evaluate whether the Rio games this year should be delayed.
Chan replied in a letter released by Shaheen saying that the WHO sent senior scientists to Brazil four times to assess the risk of Zika to the approximately 500,000 athletes and visitors expected to attend the Aug. 5-21 games.
Brazil has largely been affected by the virus, with almost 1,500 babies from brain damage.
Last month, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen asked WHO Director-General Dr. Margaret Chan to evaluate whether the Rio games this year should be delayed.
Chan replied in a letter released by Shaheen saying that the WHO sent senior scientists to Brazil four times to assess the risk of Zika to the approximately 500,000 athletes and visitors expected to attend the Aug. 5-21 games.
Brazil has largely been affected by the virus, with almost 1,500 babies from brain damage.