Michael Phelps and Katie Ledecky say they aren’t worried about the Zika virus
Michael Phelps competes in the Arena Pro Swim Series in Orlando, Fla., on Thursday.
Three of the biggest stars in U.S. swimming say the Zika virus won’t scare them away from the 2016 Summer Olympics.
Michael Phelps, Katie Ledecky and Missy Franklin expressed confidence in traveling to Rio de Janeiro for the Games in August. Phelps said he was planning to bring his fiancee and their newborn child, who is due in May.
“We’re not worried about it,” he told the Associated Press. “I think if you go into any Olympics, there’s always something that comes up.”
The mosquito-borne virus has swept through much of the Americas in recent months. Though its symptoms are relatively mild, the virus could be linked to birth defects in cases where women become infected during pregnancy.
The World Health Organization previously classified Zika as a global health emergency but has predicted the outbreak will slow as winter begins in the Southern Hemisphere and cooler temperatures limit the mosquito population.
Phelps, Ledecky and Franklin spoke about the issue at a meet in Florida this week.
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