Australian Olympic Committee warns of Zika virus dangers

SYDNEY (AP) The Australian Olympic Committee has warned pregnant team members to carefully consider whether they will attend this year's Olympic Games in Brazil after an outbreak of the Zika virus which can cause birth abnormalities.

In a statement on Wednesday, the AOC said ''any team members who are pregnant at the time of the Games need to consider the risks very carefully before deciding whether to proceed with travel to Brazil.''

Australia team chef de mission Kitty Chiller said team medical director David Hughes was providing constantly updated advice and information about the outbreak.

Chiller said ''the health and wellbeing of all our team members is paramount, especially those females in the team of child-bearing age.''