The Rio Olympics are less than 100 days away and it seems South Korean athletes are taking no chances when it comes to the threat of contracting the Zika virus.
South Korea’s stars will wear tracksuits which have been infused with insect repellant designed to keep mosquitoes away, as well as long pants and blazers for the opening and closing ceremonies.
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA – APRIL 27: South Korean Olympians and models pose during the Official Uniform Launch at Taereung National team training center on April 27, 2016 in Seoul, South Korea. Today marks 100 days until the start of the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. (Photo by Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images)
Athletes are not allowed to have their actual kit infused but will be able to spray themselves with repellent before competing.
The World Health Organization declared Zika a global public health emergency three months ago. The virus has been shown to cause microcephaly in babies and is linked to some cases of muscle-weakening disease Guillain-Barré syndrome in adults. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has told pregnant women to stay away from areas where Zika is prevalent and has issued guidelines for those who may wish to become pregnant.
Other nations, such as Germany, have yet to adopt South Korea’s approach, instead taking a more casual approach to leisurewear.
Team USA marked 100 days to go with a rather low key ceremony.
Australia unveiled its new range of Olympic uniform in Sydney with the traditional green and gold featuring heavily.
Great Britain, which hosted the Games in 2012, launched its new kit with the help of world and Olympic heptathlon champion Jessica Ennis-Hill.
The Olympics run from August 5-21 with the Paralympics starting on September 7 and concluding on September 18th.
