Australia to issue Zika-proof condoms to Rio athletes

Australia's athletes will be extra protected against Zika during the Rio 2016 Olympics after the Australian Olympic Committee agreed to provide antiviral condoms.

Australian Olympic chef de mission Kitty Chiller: 'It is a common sense approach to a very serious problem we are facing in Rio.'

Australia's athletes will be extra protected against Zika during the Rio 2016 Olympics after the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) agreed to provide antiviral condoms. As the Games draw nearer the outbreak of Zika - which evidence has shown can lead to birth defects in babies - in Brazil has caused concern among some athletes.

The likes of Jessica Ennis-Hill and Hope Solo have expressed their fears, while Kenya are reportedly monitoring the situation. The virus is primarily transmitted by mosquitoes but can also be spread sexually, leading the AOC to team up condom manufacturer Starpharma. 

Health first

"The health and wellbeing of the team comes first and our association with Starpharma will provide extra protection for everyone on the team, and is a common sense approach to a very serious problem we are facing in Rio," said Australia's chef de mission Kitty Chiller.

Starpharma say their Dual Protect product is the world's only antiviral condom, containing a lubricant that acts as an antiviral agent to inactivate sexually transmitted infections - including near-complete protection against Zika.

In April, it was announced that South Korea had taken extra precuations with their athletes by infusing the team's uniform with insect repellant to guard against mosquitoes.