Long jump champ Rutherford freezes sperm amid Zika fears

REUTERS: The Zika virus outbreak in Brazil has led Britain’s Greg Rutherford to have his sperm frozen before heading out to defend his long jump title at the Rio Olympics.

Zika, a mosquito-borne virus that is spreading in Brazil, can cause crippling birth defects and developmental problems in babies.

Rutherford’s partner Susie Verrill, who will not attend the Games with their young son, said the couple had taken the precaution because they wanted to have more children. Athletes from the British triathlon team have also been prevented from going outdoors after dusk, because of fears of the virus.

“If you stand outside at dusk, mosquitoes will start congregating so we are not doing that. We will be indoors,” performance director Brendan Purcell told British media.

US cyclist Tejay Van Garderen withdrew from the Games last week, over concerns that the outbreak could present risks for his pregnant wife.