(ATR) According to the chair of the IOC Medical Commission, there is no risk of Ebola spreading through sport as long as there are no symptoms.
In an exclusive interview with Around the Rings this week, chair of the IOC Medical Commission Dr. Ugur Erdener said that the risk of the virus spreading through sporting events is extremely low, especially if pre-competition checks are carried out.
"If a participant is ill, then there is a risk in contact sports – but only from bodily fluids like blood rather than sweat until very late in the disease’s progression, and even then, the amount of virus in sweat is very low," Erdener told ATR.
"There is no respiratory transmission of Ebola. Transmission is normally through the liters of virus-laden fluid that sufferers lose when very sick."
"As only infectious once ill, it is very unlikely a competitor who has contracted Ebola would continue to participate in an event as they would feel very sick," Erdener added.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the current Ebola outbreak started in West Africa in Dec. 2013. As of Oct. 29, the virus has killed 4,922 people to date with confirmed cases in Spain and the United States.
When asked of the IOC’s role in curbing the Ebola virus, Erdener replied that they are there to educate, provide information and support the World Health Organization, whom they are in constant contact with.
"The IOC takeshealth as a serious priority, and works with the World Health Organization and public authorities wherever event takes place to put in place all recommended measures and protect all participants," Erdener said.
He mentioned that the IOC could prevent the spread of the virus through sport by supporting NOCs in affected countries and the work of the World Health Organization and advising all sport event organizers to follow the World Health Organization interim guidance on international meetings.
When asked about the IOC’s precautions for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, Erdener offered little in terms of specifics.
"As always occurs prior to an Olympic Games, the IOC and Public Health Authorities develop prevention and contingency plans to ensure all participants remain safe," he said.
"An Ebola outbreak will be handled in coordination with public health authorities, the organizing committee, and the World Health Organization."
He also made a point to address the ban of athletes and officials from West African nations at the Nanjing Youth Olympic Games this past summer.
"Wherever possible, participation is allowed. In Nanjing, the IOC followed advice given by Chinese Public Health Authorities that meant some athletes did not compete."
Written by Andrew Murrell
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