The Summer Olympics in Rio De Janiero is coming to a close, giving rise to concerns of a growing Zika crisis as U.S. athletes prepare to return home from the Zika-prone nation. Experts believe that U.S. should be on high alert as there have been debates over the risk of being infected with the Zika virus while attending or participating in the games.

Before the Olympics Games began, several athletes dropped out over concerns of Zika, including champion golfer Rory McIlroy. Some also suggested that the Olympics be moved from Rio altogether, but the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed in June that there was no reason to move the games to another city. The spread of Zika during the games is low as it is winter in the southern hemisphere, so mosquito populations are relatively under control. However, athletes have taken preventive measures.

Zika is caused by a virus transmitted primarily by Aedes mosquitoes, which are also responsible for the transmission of dengue and chikungunya viruses. WHO declared the mosquito-borne disease, which has spread across Latin American and Caribbean nations, an international health emergency on Feb. 1. Zika, which was previously known to cause only moderate cold and flu-like symptoms, is now causing multiple neurological disorders, as well as microcephaly in babies. Microcephaly is a condition that causes babies to be born with abnormally small heads.

Zika virus, which was first identified in 1947 in a rhesus monkey in Uganda, was initially detected in humans in 1952. There is no vaccine or medicine for it so far. Sexual transmission of Zika virus is also possible. Other modes of transmission such as blood transfusion are currently being investigated.

A study released in June by Yale researchers estimated that the odds of becoming infected by the mosquito-driven virus during the Rio Olympics ranged from 1 in 6,200 to 1 in 56,300. Based on this number, the Yale researchers estimated that in a worst case scenario, somewhere between eight and 80 people might become infected in Rio. While the chances of contracting Zika in Rio during the southern hemisphere's winter months are limited, there are still risks involved.

"There’s really no way to keep a disease like Zika from entering the United States," Tom Skinner, spokesman for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reportedly said.

Here are some facts and symtoms of Zika.

  • According to the CDC, those who are infected with Zika may not have any obvious symptoms. However, those who do have symptoms typically experience mild fevers, rash, joint or muscle pain, itchy red eyes, or headache, which may appear as a flu-like illness.
  • The CDC warns that symptoms can last for several days to a week, however those who have been infected are usually not sick enough to go to the hospital.
  • If any symptoms persist after a few days, seek a doctor or health care provider to rule out Zika through blood tests and examination.
  • Take plenty of rest, preventing dehydration by drinking fluids, take a fever reducer like acetaminophen, and abstain from sex and travel.
  • Sleeping under a mosquito net is recommended if you are in a Zika-affected zone.
  • A blood and urine test can confirm infection, according to the CDC.
RELATED STORIES