Zika virus fears won't keep hopeful from Olympics

Swimmer from Paraguay training in Jacksonville for Olympic dream

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – An Olympic hopeful swimmer training in Jacksonville told News4Jax on Wednesday that fears over the Zika virus would not keep him from competing in Brazil.

The 2016 Olympics are scheduled for Aug. 5-21 in Rio de Janeiro. The Zika virus has spread throughout Latin America via mosquitoes, and is spreading rapidly in Brazil.

While most people experience either mild or no symptoms, Zika is suspected of causing microcephaly, a birth defect marked by an abnormally small head. Pregnant women are urged to avoid travel to affected areas.

ONLINE: Zika virus FAQs

U.S. women's national soccer team goalkeeper Hope Solo said in an interview with Sports Illustrated published Tuesday that she was concerned about the virus. Solo, who spoke about the possibility of someday having a child, told SI.com that if the Olympics were today, she wouldn't go.

That's not how 25-year-old swimmer Maximiliano Abreu, a native of Paraguay, feels. He said competing in the Olympics is a dream, and nothing will deter him.

“I don't think anything would (stop me). It would have to take a lot,” Abreu said. “It's a lifelong dream. It's unexplainable. I've never worked so long for this one thing, so it's amazing to have it worked out, and if it comes true, it would be an amazing thing.”

Abreum, who trains at The Bolles School, said he regularly represents his native Paraguay in international competitions.

“I go back at least once a year to compete there, and I compete with them in the World Championships and South American Games,” Abreu said. “Anywhere that I can qualify for and they need me for.”

Abreu will return to Paraguay for the South American Swimming Championships in March. He said the Zika virus has taken over in his home country.

“We used to have the dengue virus,” Abreu said. “It's not something new to us.”

Rio organizers have tried to calm fears that the Olympics may be affected, maintaining that the games will not be canceled. The Olympics will be held in Brazil's winter, when colder temperatures should reduce the mosquito population.

The International Olympic Committee has expressed confidence in measures being taken against the virus in Brazil and is following the advice of the World Health Organization. The IOC has distributed the guidance to all national Olympic committees.