Zika Virus: Kenya Considers Pulling Out Of Rio Olympics

February 09, 2016

Kenya could pull out of this year's Rio Olympics due to concerns over the Zika virus outbreak in Brazil, the head of Kenya's Olympics committee told Reuters on Tuesday.

Kenya boasts some of the best middle and long-distance runners in the world. Furthermore, the East African nation topped the medals table at the 2015 World athletics championships.

"Obviously, we are not going to risk taking Kenyans there if this Zika Virus reaches epidemic levels," Kipchoge Keino told Reuters.

The World Health Organization has declared a 'global emergency' due to the spread of Zika virus.

The Rio Olympics will be held from August 5 to 21.