Zika Concerns At Olympics Aren't Spreading To Local Athletes
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Some International health experts are calling for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio to be moved or postponed because of the risk posed by the Zika Virus.
The same feelings don't seem to be present at Boathouse Row in Philadelphia, however.
'The show must go on' is what athletes from our area are saying.
"I'm not that concerned for my safety," says Chierika Ukogu. "I'm really excited.
Ukogu attends Penn and will be rowing for Team Nigeria in Brazil.
"Personally, I think if the organizers believe that it's safe enough for us to compete there, then it's definitely safe," she tells KYW Newsradio.
But she plans to wear a full body suit while on the water to protect herself:
"Definitely using insect repellent, staying away from stagnant bodies of water and places where mosquitos might be very prevalent."
Zika is not going to stop Devery Karz either from realizing her dreams. She says US Olympic officials have informed athletes about the dangers, and she's not scared:
"Zika is in the United States as well, so you can have just as many fears in your hometown as you can have in Brazil. We've put too much time in for me to be afraid."
Karz and her teammate, Kate Bertko, trust that Olympic officials won't put athletes in a dangerous situation. But like Ukogu, they will do the best they can to protect themselves from disease carrying mosquitos.
"Insect repellent, long sleeves, staying inside when we need to stay inside," explains Bertko.
All three girls agree, it's probably too late to move the games anyway, which begin August 5th.