CDC Advises Pregnant Women to Avoid Traveling to 2016 Olympics in Brazil

— -- With the Zika virus continuing to spread across the Americas after starting in Brazil, the Center for Disease Control recommended today that pregnant women avoid traveling to the 2016 Summer Olympic Games.

The CDC released guidance on how to avoid the Zika outbreak for people traveling to Brazil for the games, advising pregnant women who must travel to the country to "strictly follow steps to prevent mosquito bites during the trip."

The CDC also warned against the sexual transmission of Zika if a male partner is traveling to Brazil.

"Either use condoms the right way, every time, or do not have sex during your pregnancy," the agency said.

The International Olympic Committee said earlier this month that Rio de Janiero will be a "safe environment" for the summer games.

"We remain confident that there will be a safe environment for successful and enjoyable Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro," the committee said in the statement.

The U.S. Olympic Committee announced on Feb. 8 that it "will not" stop American athletes from traveling to Brazil for the Olympics.