With the Opening Ceremonies set to take place on Friday and the first day of competition to begin on Saturday, the Olympics are quickly approaching. This year’s Olympics have come with waves of issues and concern– including the risk of Zika Virus. Zika Virus is an infection spread through mosquitoes, and cannot be prevented by vaccines or medication. Although it is normally easily treated, the virus can cause severe birth defects or result in death in rare cases. Luckily, athletes and attendees will be at a lower risk of contracting Zika Virus due to cool temperatures.
According to the Weather Channel, temperature will range from the mid 70’s to the low 80’s, with a chance of rain and thunderstorms scattered throughout. In addition, humidity will range from approximately 50% to 80%. These cooler than average temperatures means there won’t be as many mosquitoes out – minimizing the risk of Zika Virus. Below is a table of the forecast from Friday, August 5th through Monday, August 15th.
Forecast according to The Weather Channel, updated Monday morning.
| DAY | HIGH/LOW | PRECIP | HUMIDITY |
| Fri Aug 5 | 80°/65° | 10% | 69% |
| Sat Aug 6 | 87°/69° | 10% | 57% |
| Sun Aug 7 | 81°/69° | 0% | 63% |
| Mon Aug 8 | 86°/70° | 0% | 62% |
| Tue Aug 9 | 82°/69° | 10% | 64% |
| Wed Aug 10 | 73°/66° | 50% | 73% |
| Thu Aug 11 | 75°/65° | 20% | 71% |
| Fri Aug 12 | 72°/63° | 20% | 74% |
| Sat Aug 13 | 74°/65° | 30% | 72% |
| Sun Aug 14 | 75°/65° | 20% | 72% |
| Mon Aug 15 | 78°/66° | 30% | 70% |
This doesn’t provide one bit of comfort. Cover up everyone. Especially those that are out in the open air for their events.
For anyone traveling to Rio this week, look here for the top seven ways to avoid Zika-carrying mosquitos: https://swimswam.com/ask-dr-levy-rio-travel-advice-zika-vaccines-safety/
If anyone sees someone in one of these runnin’ around the pool deck, it is me:
http://www.eonline.com/eol_images/Entire_Site/2015621/rs_634x1024-150721172954-634.Bubble-Boy-jake-gyllenhaal.jw.72115.jpg
Not an option in some events