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Special Zika proof condoms will be provided to Australian Olympic athletes ahead of the 2016 Rio de Janeiro games. The Zika virus is primarily transmitted by infected mosquitoes but is also sexually transmitted.

In a bid to save athletes from the Zika virus infection through sexual transmission, Australia-based pharma company Starpharma Holdings Limited has reportedly collaborated with Ansell Limited, one of the world's largest condom makers, to develop the first-of-its-kind Zika-proof condoms using anti-viral technology, reported CNN.

The Dual Protect condoms will provide protection via the physical barrier and a lubricant that contains an antiviral agent that counteracts viruses that cause sexually transmitted infections.

According to Starpharma, its VivaGel lubricant condoms have shown effective antiviral properties during the clinical trials. The condoms will protect users from the Zika virus as well as HIV, HSV (genital herpes) and HPV (human papillomavirus) and other sexually-transmitted infections (STIs).

"Given sexual transmission of Zika virus is of increasing importance, the potent activity of Starpharma's VivaGel against Zika could prove very significant," said Starpharma chief executive officer Jackie Fairle in a statement on Monday, according to The Guardian.

"Starpharma is delighted to play a role in supporting Australian athletes as they compete on the world stage at the Olympic Games in Rio."

The Starpharma Zika-proof condoms will be provided to the Australian athletes as an addition to the 350,000 male condoms and 100,000 female condoms that will be available via free dispensing machines in every Olympic Village building.

"The health and wellbeing of the team come first," Australia Chef de Mission Kitty Chiller said, according to IB Times. "Our association with Starpharma will provide extra protection for everyone on the team, and is a common sense approach to a very serious problem we are facing in Rio."

The summer Olympics are scheduled to be held August 5-21 in Rio de Janeiro. Brazil declared a state of emergency based on the Zika outbreak last December. The fact that Brazil's capital will host the 2016 Summer Olympic Games has caused a great deal of concern.