Zika Virus Could Impact Students’ Olympic Hopes

Two University of Georgia students will speak about any concerns they have with their upcoming trip to the summer Olympics. The U.S. Olympic Committee chose Jaylon Thompson and Nicole Chrzanowski to report on the games being held in Brazil for their various media channels, such as TeamUSA.org. That’s where the Zika virus is now exploding. The Center for Disease Control has a statement on its website warning that 279 cases of the virus have been reported in the United States, all of which were travel related.

UGA professor Vicki Michaelis has covered 8 Olympics in her career as a journalist and says that there is reason for concern, but it should not be a deterrent from attending.

“The Olympics are not about being worried, they are supposed to be a time when we all come together and not worry for a few weeks.”

We will have interviews with both of the students traveling to Brazil in our 5 p.m. newscast.

By Matt Mataxas