Wednesday 10 February 2016 11:21, UK
Jessica Ennis-Hill's coach Toni Minichiello has called for the British Olympic Association to consider moving its pre-Rio Olympics training camp to a Zika-free zone.
Minichiello plans to speak to British Athletics performance director Neil Black about the prospect of switching from Belo Horizonte to a new location, following an infestation of Zika-transmitting mosquitoes within the Brazilian municipality.
Belo Horizonte declared a state of emergency in December, and there remains conflicting information over the potential pregnancy risks to women.
Last month, the vice-minister of public health in the Central American nation of El Salvador even advised women to put off getting pregnant until 2018.
Minichiello revealed he will not put pressure on Ennis-Hill to compete in Rio if the health risks are too serious.
But he told The Times: "Coaches have a duty of care and I certainly would not be encouraging an athlete to go anywhere that could have long-term effects.
"We should be looking at finding a camp that minimises the risk.
"Coaches spend their lives trying to get athletes as healthy as possible. We have to try to minimise the risk, and that might mean flying in as late as possible."
However, a BOA representative insists the plans of the governing body are unaltered, saying: "Our plan remains unchanged and on course for both the preparation camp and the Games."
