Team formed to protect US athletes against Zika ahead of Rio games

A medical advisory group has been formed in the US to protect American athletes and staff against infectious diseases, including the Zika virus at this year’s Rio Olympics. A growing number of athletes worldwide have expressed concern about the virus in recent weeks. In Brazil, more than 4,000 suspected cases of mircocephaly have been linked to the disease. A recent US study supports the connection between the two conditions. The advisory group will help the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) develop education material for athletes and staff, monitor and share scientific literature, and provide care for infected individuals. The team of doctors is said to be highly experienced in dealing with infectious diseases in patient populations that frequently travel abroad.