Whispers about the Zika Virus not effecting the 2016 Rio Olympic Games will soon become a loud conversation with the news that the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) has told athletes and staff concerned about the Zika virus that they should consider not attending this year's Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, according to reports.
Fears about the virus, which is carried by mosquitoes and has been spreading through the Americas, have been growing ahead of the Games in the Brazilian city.
Pregnant women have been advised not to travel to areas where Zika is prevalent due to a link between the virus and microcephaly - a condition which can lead to babies being born with small heads and under-developed brains.
Other symptoms include fevers, rashes, joint pain and conjunctivitis.
The USOC issued its message to sports Federations during a conference call, according to Reuters.
"Federations were told that no-one should go to Brazil if they don't feel comfortable going," said USA Fencing President Donald Anthony.
While some athletes will undoubtedly face serious doubts about travelling to Rio, the International Olympic Committee believes that Brazil are taking "significant steps" to combat the virus, which has been declared as a public health emergency by the World Health Organization.
This includes more than 200,000 members of the armed forces who will be engaged across the country with health workers, going from house to house to distribute leaflets and dispense advice about how to combat mosquitoes.
National Olympic Committees have been advised by the IOC to consult with authorities in their country for the latest advice, while it is also hoped that the mosquitoes responsible will be less prevalent in August and September when the Olympics and Paralympics will be held.
This is due to a cooler, drier climate during those months in Brazil.
Despite these reassurances, Brazil's Sports Minister George Hilton was forced to deny that there was a risk of the Games being called off.
He blasted "lamented material and opinions in the press" which speculated that the virus could lead to a cancellation.
"The Brazilian Government is fully committed to ensure that the 2016 Rio Games take place in an atmosphere of security and tranquility," he said.
New Zealand, Britain and Australia are among the specific countries who have issued advice to their athletes.
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