At present, Brazil has charted over one and a half million cases of the Zika virus. Moreover, the disease has been confirmed to have spread in over 30 countries. Despite the alarming rate Zika has spread and the links to birth defects that have yet to be proven, the Zika virus in itself is not a very fatal disease. According to statistics, only one in five people infected by the mosquito-borne virus actually feel ill and even then the symptoms mimic a mild flu. However based on recent reports, it seems like the virus is more of a threat than what was initially assumed.
Only a day ago, Venezuelan president, Nicolas Maduro, took to the national television network to announce startling new statistics of the Zika Virus in the country. According to Maduro, three confirmed deaths have been recorded due to Zika.
"We have 319 confirmed cases, of which unfortunately 68 presented complications and we've had three deaths due to Zika nationally" explained Maduro.
Neither the president nor the country's Ministry of Health provided more details on the deaths. The Venezuelan government has also yet to release a statement on the conditions of pregnant women in the light of the Zika outbreak.
With the rising number of cases and now the Zika related deaths, many are concerned over the 2016 Olympic Games that would be held in Brazil this year. Athletes who would be participating in the event have since spoken out about the virus and some of them are considering mission out on the games altogether. Amongst those hesitant to fly to Brazil is U.S. soccer team member, Hope Solo.
"If I had to decide today, I would not go. Fortunately the Olympics are about six months away so I believe we have time to get some of our doubts and questions answered" quipped Solo.