Geneva - The World Health Organization (WHO) said today it is not necessary to postpone or move his summer´s Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro due to the Zika virus in hard-hit Brazil.

In a press statement, the organization confirmed that the sports event, scheduled to take place in Rio de Janeiro from July 5th to August 21st, would not make a significant difference to the spread of the virus.

Although it is not mentioned in the text, media outlets say that the statement is a response to an open letter to the World Health Organisation (WHO), released on Friday, by a the group of U.S. and British academics, suggesting the measure arguing that the Brazilian strain of Zika virus harmed health in ways that science had not observed before.

"Based on the current assessment of the Zika virus circulating in almost 60 countries globally and 39 in the Americas, there is no public health justification for postponing or cancelling the games," WHO said.

"WHO will continue to monitor the situation and update our advice as necessary."

The statement also warns that the best way to reduce the risk of getting the disease is following the recommendation given by health authorities.