No anti-Zika uniforms for Vietnam athletes at Olympics in Brazil
The Vietnam Olympic Committee has confirmed that there will be no special Zika-proof uniforms for its athletes at the upcoming Summer Olympics in Brazil.
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“But it is difficult to make uniforms that can prevent mosquitoes like South Korea,” he said.
Manh said athletes should not be worried because the host country has announced plans to protect all participants of the sporting event from mosquitoes.
The remarks came after The Republic of Korea's Olympic committee unveiled long-sleeved shirts and pants that it said will help protect its athletes from the Zika virus. The sets of clothing will be dyed with mosquito-repellent chemicals and will be worn by athletes during ceremonies, training and at the athletes' village, the Korean Olympic Committee said.
Brazil has been fighting to stem the spread of the Zika virus, which is known to cause severe birth defects, including microcephaly, a condition in which a baby's head is significantly smaller than normal. Mosquitoes are believed to be the main vector.
Some Vietnamese athletes are concerned about the virus.
“We were pretty shocked when learning that 1.5 million people in Brazil have caught Zika. I wonder if the virus may keep spreading during the Olympics," a local athlete said on the condition of anonymity.
“We will protect ourselves with long-sleeved shirts and socks," the athlete added.
Top fencer Nguyen Thi Le Dung on the other hand believed Brazil will do its best to keep the event safe.
“Of course, I will still bring some repellent," she said.
