Back from Rio, athlete treated in isolation at B'luru; doctors fear Zika

Olympics runner Sudha Singh, who had participated in the steeplechase competition at Rio, is currently being treated in isolation at a Bengaluru hospital as doctors suspect she may have contracted the Zika virus.

According to reports, the 30-year-old, who was back in India on Saturday, had complained of fatigue and joint pain and her blood level had fallen to worrying levels. While she is being treated for viral infection, doctors are also carrying out a medical investigation to rule out a possible Zika scare.

"It is probably just a viral infection but as protocol, we are investigating to rule out Zika," Dr S R Sarala of the Sports Authority of India was quoted in an NDTV report.

Sudha Singh had created a national record in women’s 3000m steeplechase in May at the IAAF Diamond League in Shanghai. Her record-breaking performance had come at a right time and had led to her eventual participation in the Rio games.

The hospital where Sudha is being treated, has sent her blood samples to a virology institute, to check for Zika. Doctors are taking extra precaution as Brazil has had suffered a major outbreak of the Zika virus. Brazil has the highest rate of infection, followed by Colombia.

The Zika virus is spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito, the same mosquito that transmits dengue, chikungunya and yellow fever. There is no vaccine for Zika.

Leading tennis players, the world's top four golfers never made it to Rio, fearing the health consequences of the mosquito-borne disease.

(This article first appeared in Deccan Chronicle)