Six-time NBA All-Star Spanish professional basketball player Pau Gasol is thinking about not playing to represent his country at the 2016 Rio Olympics in August due to concerns about the Zika virus.

The 2002 NBA Rookie of the Year winner said on Monday that there are a lot of doubts about the current situation in Brazil and anyone going to Rio de Janeiro for the games should "think about" whether it is worth the risk.

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The 35-year-old native of Barcelona said that other Spanish athletes have also conveyed their concerns about the hazardous virus and are also contemplating whether to skip the games.

"It wouldn't surprise me to see some athletes deciding not to participate in the games to avoid putting their health and the health of their families at risk," Gasol said. "I'm thinking about (whether or not to go)," he said. "Just like every athlete, or any other person considering going to Rio, should be thinking about it."

Brazil has been seriously hit by the mosquito-borne Zika virus. The virus has been linked to cases of severe birth abnormalities and possible neurological issues in adults. At the moment, there was no known specific treatment or vaccine readily available for the disease.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the Zika virus was first identified in the Zika Forest of Uganda in 1947. It was later on diagnosed in humans in the year 1952 in the same African country and the neighboring United Republic of Tanzania. Zika virus disease outbreaks have been recorded in Africa, the Pacific, Asia and the Americas.

Gasol, who is currently playing with the Chicago Bulls in the NBA, is averaging 16.5 points, 11 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game. He is a considered a vital part of the Spanish national men's basketball team.

TagsZika virus, Chicago Bulls, 2016 Rio Olympics, Pau Gasol, NBA