Returning Olympians warned to practice safe sex due to Zika fears
Most athletes seemed to have a really fun time at the Rio Olympics, especially with the hordes of condoms and what not, but now that they're home, they're being told it's probably best if they play it safe, especially sexually.
That's the advice of Australia's Minister for Health, Sussan Ley, as the country's athletes touched down on Wednesday morning.
She's told athletes and visitors to Rio alike that they should most definitely slip one on for the next eight weeks, to avoid transmission of the Zika virus.
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"There is a small chance that Zika is transmitted through sexual activity, so Australians returning from Brazil should use condoms or avoid unprotected sex for at least eight weeks," Ley told ABC News.
Those who are feeling unwell on their return home should contact a doctor (obviously) and inform them of one's recent travel history, especially if pregnant or planning to fall pregnant soon.
So far in Australia, there have been 44 confirmed cases of Zika virus this year which have been all acquired overseas. Zika is transmitted primarily via mosquitoes.
"We are absolutely vigilant with every aircraft coming in that may be carrying mosquitoes," Ley told the news outlet. Aircraft arriving in Australia are subject to disinfection, with vector monitoring and control activities at the border, plus mandatory treatments of high-risk cargo.
The Australian government has also warned people travelling home from Brazil to be conscious of fever, rash, red eyes or joint pain.
And remember kids, zika threats aside -- if it's not on, it's not on.
