In May 2015, the Zika virus was identified in Brazil. The virus causes serious birth defects such as microcephaly, severe brain damage, and infant mortality.

During the 2016 summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, over 500,000 people from around the world will travel to Rio, a hotspot for the Zika virus. This will rapidly spread the virus across the globe, creating a worldwide epidemic.

Allowing half a million people to be concentrated in a Zika-infected country is irresponsible and poorly planned. Please delay the Summer 2016 Olympics until the virus can be cured, or move the location to a virus-free region.

Sources:

http://harvardpublichealthreview.org/off-the-podium-why-rios-2016-olympic-games-must-not-proceed/

http://www.cdc.gov/zika/about/index.html

http://www.cdc.gov/zika/transmission/index.html