Response on the Zika vírus in the context of the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games

The World Health Organization (WHO) has reiterated the understanding that the incidence of the Zika virus in Brazil is no reason to recommend the transfer or cancellation of the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The WHO has reaffirmed its evaluation that the conditions to the event are present, a position also shared by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the United States.

Brazil continues to make available to the WHO all the Brazilian data proving that the incidence rates of dengue and other diseases transmitted by the Aedes aegypti are historically low in July and August, a reduction that will be even greater due to the preventive actions taken by the three levels of Government.

Brazil has provided updates on the additional measures of vector control implemented in Rio de Janeiro and in the Olympic Village. In the context of preparations to the Olympic Games, the Brazilian Government maintains permanent cooperation and regularly informs the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on the response to the occurrence of the Zika virus and ongoing specific preventive actions in the host city.

Public statements that were issued mentioning  that it would be necessary to postpone or transfer the Games are not based on scientific data. Measures that could recommend the cancelation of the Olympic Games would also imply the recommendation of interrupting travel to and between all the 60 countries presenting local transmission of the Zika virus.

The Brazilian Government continues to publish data and information on precautionary measures already taken in order to counteract the alarm resulting from actions that produce media accounts without scientific basis.

Since the occurrence of the first cases of Zika virus in Brazil, in May 2015, the Brazilian Government has been closely working with the WHO, through cooperation with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), and through regular reports in the framework of the International Health Regulations (IHR). Brazil has taken a pioneering role in the development of research on the virus and related diseases, and in the development of tests, treatments and vaccines, in cooperation with several partners. The transparency of the Brazilian Government was highlighted by the Director General of the WHO, Dr. Margareth Chan, who officially visited Brazil last February, after the announcement of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, by suggestion of the IHR Emergency Committee.