USOC creates infectious disease advisory group

The team will help athletes, coaches and other members of the U.S. Olympic team combat Zika and other water borne illnesses in Rio de Janeiro.

The United States Olympic Committee has appointed three physicians as part of a new infectious diseases advisory group, the governing body announced.

The team will be chaired by Dr. Carrie L. Byington, MD of the University of Utah Health Care. Dr. Byington will be assisted by Dr. Randy Taplitz and Capt. Martin S. Cetron, MD.

“The health and safety of our athletes, and our entire delegation, is our top priority,” USOC CEO Scott Blackmun said in a statement. “I’m grateful to the diverse group of medical experts that have agreed to provide Team USA with the information and resources necessary to stay healthy and compete successfully.”

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The team will help athletes, coaches and other members of the U.S. Olympic team combat Zika and other water–borne illnesses in Rio de Janeiro.

The Olympics are set to begin on Aug. 5.