Zika virus: Olympics-US to recruit disease experts ahead of Rio Games

The United States Olympic Committee (USOC) is to ask two infectious disease experts to advise potential members of their Rio 2016 Games team who are concerned about the Zika virus outbreak in Brazil.

"I know the Zika virus outbreak in Brazil is of concern to many of you," wrote USOC CEO Scott Blackmun in a letter sent to prospective Olympians. "I want to emphasise that it is to us, as well, and that your well-being in Rio this summer is our highest priority."

Brazil is the worst-hit country in the outbreak of Zika that is rapidly spreading in the Americas. 

Earlier in February, the Rio 2016 organising committee was worried about the rapid spread of the Zika virus in Brazil, but said  it has not seen evidence of people cancelling travel to the Olympics in August.

Germany's chief Olympic doctor, on Wednesday said while the spread of the Zika virus in Brazil needs to be monitored but is not a threat to the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics.

Read: Brazil says expects to develop Zika virus vaccine in a year

Also Read: Back to its roots - How Zika may threaten Africa