The Washington Times has called for the Obama administration to "raise the travel warnings to Level 3" for Brazil and Colombia, where the Zika virus is rampant, ahead of the summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. The editorial criticises the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), which has issued Level 2 travel alerts (practice enhanced precautions), while Level 3 urges people to "avoid nonessential travel". In a statement on Thursday, the CDC said it was working with Brazilian health officials "to ensure that all travelers are aware of their risk from mosquito bites during this summer’s Olympic Games". The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the Zika virus a "public health emergency of international concern" in February.
The Washington Times has called for the Obama administration to "raise the travel warnings to Level 3" for Brazil and Colombia, where the Zika virus is rampant, ahead of the summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. The editorial criticises the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), which has issued Level 2 travel alerts (practice enhanced precautions), while Level 3 urges people to "avoid nonessential travel". In May, scientists gathered at a meeting of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee came to the Level 3 conclusion, and immediately afterwards, 150 science and health experts called for the Olympics to be postponed or moved. The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the Zika virus a "public health emergency of international concern" in February.