Brazilian health minister updates IOC on anti-Zika measures

LAUSANNE — Brazil's health minister has briefed IOC officials on steps being taken to combat the Zika virus ahead of the Rio de Janeiro Olympics.

The IOC says Ricardo Barros "reaffirmed the commitment of the Brazilian government to put in place all the necessary measures to protect the health and safety of all people attending" the games in August.

Brazil has been badly hit by Zika, a mosquito-borne virus linked to severe birth defects.

Barros says he met with Rio officials last week and "confirmed that measures already put in place to combat the spread of Zika are rigidly being followed and are having a positive impact."

He also cited data showing the "considerable drop in the proliferation of mosquitoes" during Brazil's winter months.