Zika virus concern for Jessica Ennis-Hill ahead of Olympic Games in Rio
By Reuters
Last Updated: 28/04/16 8:45am
World and Olympic heptathlon champion Jessica Ennis-Hill has admitted she is deeply concerned about the threat of the Zika virus in Brazil ahead of this summer's Olympics.
An outbreak of the mosquito-borne virus, linked to numerous cases of the microcephaly birth defect, has spread in Latin America and the Caribbean, causing panic and leading some athletes to consider whether to attend the Games.
"It is worrying, really concerning," Ennis-Hill told the Daily Telegraph. "I have to make sure I understand what's happening and what the risks are. It's something I have to be on top of."
Ennis-Hill, who won the heptathlon world title in Beijing last August, 13 months after giving birth to her son Reggie, said she wanted more children and was constantly monitoring updates from the British Olympic Association (BOA).
"I am receiving updates from the BOA and seeking as many bits of advice as I can get. Things are changing constantly," she said.
The athlete said she wanted to take her son to Rio for what will be her final Olympics but would delay making a decision until she had considered all the risks.
"It will be a late call," she said. "I want to be able to compete in a state of mind where I don't have to worry about whether he's OK or whether he's safe. I will have to decide closer to the time, once we have got a feeling for everything."
The Olympics will take place in Rio de Janeiro between August 5-21.
