Economy

Officials clash over taking part in Rio games amid Zika fears

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NOC-K president and legendary marathoner Kipchoge Keino. PHOTO | FILE

National Olympics Committee (NOC-K) officials have clashed over Kenya’s participation in this year’s Rio Games amid growing concerns over the Zika virus outbreak in Brazil.

NOC-K president and legendary marathoner Kipchoge Keino was quoted by Reuters on Tuesday as saying the country’s plans were still uncertain.

“Unless they clean the venues of this potentially dangerous disease, we will not go there”. Reuters quoted Mr Keino as saying. “But if they assure us that things are in order and there is no risk to participants, mothers, we will go.”

The statement added: “Obviously, we are not going to risk taking Kenyans there if this Zika virus reaches epidemic levels. They have to assure us that the country is safe enough to take athletes there”.

But in an interview with the Business Daily, NOC-K chef de mission of the Rio-bound team, Stephen Soi, maintained the comments made by his boss may have been taken out of context.

“It is too early to make a determination over the issue”. He added: “We are aware of the Zika virus crunch but I do not think the situation is out of control yet.”

“We have 118 athletes subject to qualification for the August Olympics in Brazil but already 30 of the Kenya Rugby sevens (both men and women) have been confirmed. The Games village opens on July 24 and by July 23, we will have jetted in Brazil,” said Mr Soi.

Kenya’s Rio Olympics budget is Sh630m. The government is supposed to disburse Sh558m as the NOC-K pumps in Sh72m.

Kenya boasts a number of the most coveted middle and long-distance runners worldwide. The country also topped the medals table at the 2015 IAAF World Championships.

The World Health Organisation researcher and director of the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Anthony Fauci, earlier this month said that a Zika vaccine could be ready for clinical trial later this year.

In Kenya health experts said the country remains safe.

The head of disease surveillance and response unit at the Health ministry, Ian Njeru, said the virus’ (which was first identified in Uganda) real concern, is the microcephaly (a brain disorder) in babies born with it but in itself it is very mild.

Babies with the condition have abnormally small heads, resulting in developmental issues and, in some cases, death.

“The virus is very mild. Four out five victims survive. So far we do not have any reported cases in Africa and we should not worry so much about it,” said Dr Njeru.