Officials have banned some athletes from taking part in the Youth Olympics in China over fears that the deadly Ebola virus outbreak could spread.

Bermuda has sent a team of seven athletes to the Games in Nanjing, China, which kick off today.

Although none of the Bermuda contingent are on the stop list, three sportsmen from West Africa have been told by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) that they cannot take part.

The three are competitors in combat sports and swimming events, and have been banned because “it is impossible to rule out the risk of potential infection”, the IOC said in a joint statement with Nanjing Youth Olympic Games Organising Committee.

Other athletes representing West African nations will be able to take part, but will undergo regular temperature checks and physical assessments throughout the Games.

“We regret that due to this issue some young athletes may have suffered twice, both from the anguish caused by the outbreak in their home countries and by not being able to compete in the Youth Olympic Games,” the IOC and organisers said.

The seven athletes representing Bermuda are middle distance runner Kyrah Scraders, swimmer Jesse Washington, high jumper Jahnai Perinchief, sprinter Kionje Somner, triathletes Erica Hawley and Tyler Smith and sailor Ceci Wollmann.