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WHO rejects calls to postpone Rio Olympics

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The World Health Organization (WHO) has rejected calls to postpone or move the summer Olympic Games over the Zika outbreak.

WHO said this would “not significantly alter” the spread of the virus, which is linked to serious birth defects.

In an open letter to WHO, more than 100 leading scientists had said the new findings about Zika made it “unethical” for the games to go on.

They also said the global health body should revisit its Zika guidance.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has said it sees no reason to delay or move the Games because of the mosquito-borne disease.

The Zika outbreak began in Brazil a year ago, but now more than 60 countries and territories have continuing transmission.

The Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro is set to host the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in August, with millions of people from across the world expected to attend the event.

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