What would people give to visit the beautiful city of Rio and watch the 2016 Summer Olympics? Apparently, not much. Despite the exciting hype surrounding the entertainment of the upcoming sports games, health and safety concerns have drastically slowed Olympic ticket sales for 2016 as Brazil suffers its worst recession in 25 years.

Many tourists are fearing the political instability threatening the country right now, as thousands of Brazilians verbally, and sometimes violently, flood the streets to protest their corrupt government, holding up signs calling for the impeachment off their current president, Dilma Rousseff. Former president, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, known as “Lula,” was prosecuted of money laundering and identity theft. To grant him legal immunity, Rousseff recently appointed Lula to her cabinet, causing uproar amongst Brazil’s disappointed and aggravated public. The political instability and detrimental recession has led organizers to cut spending on facilities by $500 million, leading people to question if facilities will be ready in time for the Olympics. The prospective government of Brazil during the Olympics is uncertain, and high crimes rates and fear of terrorism are also stirring unease for future travelers, despite the fact that the country will be using twice as many security agents than were used in London’s 2012 games.

Above all, however, the Zika Virus raises alarming threats for those considering buying tickets. Brazil claims this is not the first time a spreading virus has jeopardized an Olympic games – the large number of athletes and visitors gathering in a compact area is the perfect scenario for massive health problems. The 2010 Olympics in Vancouver, for example, recorded over 80 cases of the measles transmitted at the event. The Norovirus was also spread in Germany’s games in 2006. However, the Zika Virus raises unique concerns: 80% of the virus’s cases occur without symptoms. Despite high surveillance and security implemented to ensure travelers’ health and safety, it will be impossible to detect certain cases of the Zika Virus. Tourists may not only contract the virus and carry it back to their home countries, but possibly carry back mosquitos carrying the virus. Organizers of the event are hoping to ease these worries and sell tickets quickly to make the event as enjoyable, safe, and memorable as possible.