Anti-Zika condoms rolled out to Rio athletes

International Desk: In a world first, Australian Olympic athletes will be given free antiviral condoms to help protect from the Zika virus during the Rio Games.

 

The condoms are coated in an antiviral lubricant, lab tested and found to provide “near-complete” protection against Zika, according to manufacturer Starpharma.

 

The virus, currently running rampant in South America, is primarily contracted through mosquito bites but has recently been confirmed to be sexually transmittable.

 

It remains transmittable up to six months after infection, can cause flu-like symptoms and is linked to horrific birth defects, including microcephaly.

 

The Australian Olympic Committee signed a deal with condom manufacturer Starpharma in its bid to step up protection for athletes.

 

“The health and well-being of the Team comes first and our association with Starpharma will provide extra protection for everyone on the Team, and is a common-sense approach to a very serious problem we are facing in Rio,” Australia’s Chef de Mission Kitty Chiller said.

 

Australian golfer Marc Leishman has already pulled out of the Games, over concerns for his wife’s health should he contract Zika.

 

Former International Olympic Committee Vice President Kevan Gosper last week urged Australia to blood-test all athletes upon return from the Games.

 

The Rio Olympic Village will be stocked with dispensing machines providing nearly half a million regular condoms to athletes.

 

Starpharma is in the process of rolling out its line of antiviral condoms internationally.

 

Source: Agencies

 

risingbd/Dhaka/May 16, 2016/A K Azad