Rio Olympics 2016: Aussies ask Adidas for extra long-sleeve top to help combat Zika virus

AUSTRALIA has asked Olympic uniform suppliers Adidas for an extra long-sleeve top as a cautionary measure against the Zika virus stalking the Rio Olympics.

AUSTRALIA has asked Olympic uniform suppliers Adidas for an extra long-sleeve top as a cautionary measure against the Zika virus stalking the Rio Olympics.

The mosquito-transmitted disease is one of the major talking points leading into the Games and Australia’s Chef de Mission Kitty Chiller said Australia was monitoring developments closely.

“We are alert but not alarmed,’’ Chiller said.

“We have spoken to Adidas to get the athletes another light, long-sleeve top for protection. The athletes have other instructions such as keeping windows and doors closed.

“It is something we need to keep a watching brief on and we are. David Hughes, our chief medical officer, is in constant contact with them. It is almost frustrating for us.

“We need to provide whatever precautionary measures we can. The thing is with Zika is there are so many unknowns. There are so many theories going round. We need to stick to the facts and communicate them.’’

Market research released this week claimed the Zika virus has had a significant impact on some Olympic sponsors in the countdown to the Games.

The Global Language Monitor, which monitors trends in more than 300,000 news outlets, said certain Olympic sponsors have been consistently linked in stories containing the virus and this was undermining their attempts to gain favourable publicity.

Measures taken to tackle the virus include stirring the ponds at the new Rio golf course to ensure there is minimal chance of stagnant water providing breeding grounds for the mosquitoes.

Chiller visited the golf course during a trip to Rio this month and was most impressed.

“I went and saw the first ball being struck. The clubhouse is beautiful. I felt like I was somewhere in the sand belt in Melbourne,” she said.

“But there was a dirt road leading into it. I am not saying it will not be done but they are the things the organising committee needs to focus on.’’

Originally published as Rio Olympics 2016: Aussies ask Adidas for extra long-sleeve top to help combat Zika virus