Irish Olympians urged to take precautions in Rio over zika outbreak

Ireland’s Olympians have been advised to avoid sex or to use contraception for a period before, during, and after the games in Brazil this summer to minimise the risks linked to the zika virus.

Scientists in Rio de Janeiro have warned that the mosquito-borne virus may be even more dangerous than first thought, prompting the Olympic Council of Ireland to adopt a safety-first approach.

Symptoms, including fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis, are usually mild and have been known to last up to 11 days. Deaths associated with the disease are extremely rare.