Bogut wary of Zika virus in Rio

Andrew Bogut has joked he might have to wear a hazmat suit to the Rio Olympics to protect himself from the Zika virus.

Australian basketballer Andrew Bogut

Andrew Bogut has joked he might need a hazmat suit in Rio to protect himself from the Zika virus. (AAP)

Andrew Bogut is concerned about the Zika virus and says he is wary of assurances given by the Australian Olympic Committee.

Australia's best basketballer, currently playing for the Golden State Warriors in the NBA finals, said he remains committed to going to Rio with the Australian squad, but will seek more information on the dangers to athletes.

"Just being bitten by a mosquito and then come down with something is a pretty scary prospect," Bogut said.

"I've had my yellow fever shot already, which is a battle in itself. And then you've got malaria and you've got Zika. So being able to get that from an insect is pretty scary stuff."

The AOC said it was taking every precaution to protect Australia's athletes, with team medical director David Hughes following World Health Organisation guidelines.

"He says we will have minimal issues with Zika if athletes follow the guidelines," an AOC spokesman told AAP on Wednesday.

All Australian athletes will be provided highest-strength insect repellent and be urged to wear full-bodied clothing.

Athletes have also been told to practice safe sex and use condoms for up to six months after the Games to prevent any possible transmission of the virus.

Bogut joked he might have to wear a hazmat suit to Brazil in August.

"As of now, I'm 100 per cent committed but I am eagerly reading news articles and whatever I can to get more information about it and following it closely," Bogut said.

"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't concerned.

"I'm definitely concerned about it.

"But, as of now, I'm going."

Bogut scoffed at the AOC's safety assurances.

He said he would look to more independent authorities, including the World Health Organisation and prominent experts.

"The (International) Olympic Committee and the AOC are obviously saying everything is fine," Bogut said.

"No shit.

"They want you to go. I take it with a grain of salt what they're putting out."

The 11-year NBA veteran is key to Australia's hopes of gaining its first men's Olympic basketball medal.

The Boomers will also likely have NBA players Matthew Dellavedova, Patty Mills, Joe Ingles, Aron Baynes, and Cameron Bairstow on their team, making it the highest credentialled squad in Australian basketball history.


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Source: AAP



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