Rio Olympics tourists warned about Zika

Pregnant woman have been told not to visit the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games because of fears about the Zika virus.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) also issued a warning to athletes and visitors to the Games to take precautions to avoid infection through mosquito bites.

Zika, which experts agree causes the birth defect microcephaly and has been known to cause Guillain-Barre Syndrome, is rampant in Brazil.

But, with the Olympics due to get under way in early August, the WHO has now issued specific advice for anyone expecting to travel there for the world's biggest sports event.

A statement said: "WHO and the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) recognise that athletes and visitors are seeking more information on the risks of Zika.

"Brazil is one of the 58 countries and territories which to date report continuing transmission of Zika virus by mosquitoes.

"Pregnant women continue to be advised not to travel to areas with ongoing Zika virus transmission.

"This includes Rio de Janeiro.

"Pregnant women’s sex partners returning from areas with circulating virus continue to be counselled to practise safer sex or abstain throughout the pregnancy."

But, it acknowledged: "The Games will take place during Brazil's wintertime, when there are fewer active mosquitoes and the risk of being bitten is lower."

Among the advice the WHO offered was:

:: Tourists and athletes should protect themselves from mosquito bites by using insect repellents and by wearing clothing.

:: Practise safer sex or abstain from sex during their stay and for at least four weeks after their return.

:: Choose air-conditioned accommodation and keep windows and doors closed.

:: Avoid visiting impoverished and overcrowded areas in cities and towns with no piped water and poor sanitation.

Experts say around 1.5 million people have been infected with Zika in Brazil since 2015.

(Sky News)