It's 2016, the year of the Olympics. In August, the best athletes in the world will gather together in Rio to compete for a gold medal. Or will they? Actually, no. Many fan favorites such as Carmelo Anthony, LeBron James, and golfer Jason Day, will not be appearing at this year's games. Why?
Zika Virus Causing Major Issues At 2016 Olympic Games
A substantial amount of athletes are making the decision not to appear in this year's games for fear of contracting the virus. Jason Day explained, "I have always placed my family in front of everything else in my life. Medical experts have confirmed that while perhaps slight, a decision to compete in Rio comes with health risks to me and my family. My wife Ellie and I have been blessed with two wonderful and healthy children and we plan to have more. While it has always been a major goal to compete in the Olympics on behalf of my country, playing golf cannot take precedence over the safety of our family. I will not place them at risk."
You see, while the typical symptoms of the virus (rash, headache, and joint pain) are not what you would consider "severe," the virus has also been listed as a contributing factor in some adults contracting a muscle-weakening disease called Guillain Barre Syndrome. Some athletes are also concerned for their newborn/future children, as the virus has been linked to causing neurological disorders within this group.
While the World Health Organization has given the go-ahead to continue with the games, each athlete is at their discretion as to whether or not they will participate. A decision could hold dire consequences considering most athletes only have the opportunity to participate in the games once or twice in their lifetimes. But, even though the WHO has deemed it safe, some doctors aren't so sure. Recently, a group of world’s top doctors and medical professionals, have asked the WHO to either change the venue or postpone the games, amid growing concerns. What do YOU think? Are the athletes making the right decision by opting to remain home?
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