Fearing the Zika virus epidemic in Brazil, Olympic long jump champion Greg Rutherford has decided to freeze his sperm. In an article for Standard Issue Magazine, Rutherford’s partner Susie Verrill said the couple, who has a son, wanted more children and did not want to risk acquiring an infection “which could have been prevented”, AFP reported.
“…After more than 100 medical experts stressed the Games should be moved to prevent the disease from spreading, this was a huge factor in us choosing to stay put,” she wrote, adding that news of the mosquito-borne disease played was a major factor in her decision to not accompany the British champion to the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro with their son, Milo.
The sexually transmissible virus can cause the birth defect microcephaly in babies. Nearly 1,300 babies have been born with microcephaly in Brazil since Zika began circulating there last year. It can also trigger neurological problems in adults, such as the Guillain-Barre Syndrome, which can cause paralysis and death.
In May, 150 international medical experts signed an open letter urging for the Rio Olympics to be moved to another location or postponed. The letter said exposing hundred thousand spectators to the virus posed the “unnecessary risk” of spreading the infection worldwide when they return home. But Brazilian authorities and the World Health Organisation rejected the appeal, with WHO claiming that the risk would be “minimal” in August, when the Olympics will be held, as it will be the middle of winter in Brazil.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!