June 2 (Reuters) - Rory McIllroy has played down concerns that the Zika virus outbreak could threaten his participation at the 2016 Rio Olympics in golf's return to the Games after a 112-year absence.
The Northern Irishman, who is at number three in the world rankings, had said last month that he would be monitoring the situation in Brazil and suggested the dangers of contracting Zika could affect his decision to play.
Zika, which is carried by mosquitoes, is spreading rapidly in the Americas, according to the World Health Organization, but McIllroy said the advice he received had eased his fears.