K-Rod says he had Zika; offers advice on virus

9:18 PM ET

ANAHEIM, Calif. — As someone who has experienced Zika firsthand, Detroit Tigers pitcher Francisco Rodriguez would give this advice to any athletes traveling to the 2016 Rio Olympics: Do your homework.

Rodriguez, a 34-year-old native of Caracas, Venezuela, contracted the virus this past offseason and learned just how serious the illness can be. He was laid up for two weeks with severe bodyaches, joint pain, headaches and a myriad of other symptoms. Considering the effects of the illness are even more devastating for women, especially pregnant women, he advised any athletes contemplating participating in the Olympics to educate themselves and their family members.

The World Health Organization has classified Zika, a mosquito-transmitted illness that can cause microcephaly in infants as well as other developmental issues, as a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern” but recently ruled that cancelling or changing the location of the 2016 Olympics “will not significantly alter the international spread of Zika virus.” The WHO’s decision comes despite a recent plea from a collection of 150 health professionals to postpone the event.

After being stricken with Zika this offseason, Tigers closer Francisco Rodriguez said it took him two months to feel like himself again. AP Photo/Carlos Osorio

Several …

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