USOC to Tap Disease Specialists for Zika

The U.S. Olympic Committee is planning to hire two infectious-disease specialists to consult on the growing alarm over the Zika outbreak in Brazil ahead of August’s Summer Games. USOC CEO Scott Blackmun sent a letter to prospective members of the 2016 U.S. Olympic and Paralympic delegation relaying the committee’s concern and emphasizing that their “well-being in Rio this summer is our highest priority.” About 20 percent of those infected display mild symptoms, but the virus can also cause microcephaly, a birth defect, in pregnant women or those considering getting pregnant. At least one of the two infectious-diseases specialists will be a woman, Blackmun said. The organization said it will also monitor and post frequent updates to its website.