Zika Virus Will Not Stop Nigeria from Olympics – Minister

Fri, Feb 12, 2016
By publisher
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Sports Briefs

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NOTWITHSTANDING the presence of Zika virus in the North America, the federal government has assured that the Nigerian contingent would participate in the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil.

The government, however, barred pregnant women in the contingent from going on the trip to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, because of the high risks involved in contracting the virus.

Isaac Adewole, minister of Health, who said this during a press briefing on Thursday, February 11, in Abuja, said there were no substantial grounds to stop the Nigerian Olympic Team from attending the event.

Adewole said: “All I have to advise the contingent is that they should protect themselves. Zika virus is now in the UK, the real challenge is to be on alert. I advise all Nigerians, particularly pregnant women to avoid travelling to countries infected by this virus this period. If, however, you are to visit any country where Zika virus is now being actively transmitted, you are advised to protect yourselves from mosquito bites.”

— Feb 22, 2016 @ 01:00 GMT

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