BERLIN. — The spread of the Zika virus in Brazil needs to be monitored, but is not a threat to the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, Germany’s chief Olympic doctor said yesterday.

The German Olympic Sports Confederation’s leading doctor, Bernd Wolfarth, however, said it was up to the athletes themselves whether they attended.

“Apart from the fact athletes decide for themselves and freely whether they will compete or not, one must now follow the development (of the virus) very carefully,” he said.

The mosquito-borne virus, which is widespread in Brazil and has been linked to birth defect. — Reuters.

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