Drug-resistant bacteria found in Rio's waters

(Image credit: Mario Tama/Getty Images)

published 5 July 2016

With the 2016 Olympic Games just weeks away, Brazilian scientists have discovered a drug-resistant bacteria offshore of Rio de Janeiro's Flamengo and Botafogo beaches. Researchers believe the bacteria entered the water after sewage from nearby hospitals got "channeled into the bay," CNN reports.

Though the beaches where the bacteria was found border the area where Olympic sailors will compete, neither lead scientist Renata Picao nor international Olympic authorities have recommended relocating the venue. Picao explained that more studies are needed to determine "what would be the risk to human health of this exposure through the water." "I wouldn't say to change the venues because we don't know the risks yet," Picao said. "We are making this alert because, if athletes get infected there is a chance this bacteria is multi-resistant and the physicians should know about this."