NEW YORK (Sputnik) — A hazardous drug-resistant bacteria has been detected in the Rio de Janeiro's Guanabara Bay, which will host the sailing competitions at the upcoming Olympic Games, media reported Tuesday.
Brazil will host the Summer Olympic Games on August 5-21, the first to come to South America in the event’s 120-year history.
According to CNN, the Brazilian laboratory has been observing water in five beaches for a year. According to the lead researcher Renata Picao, super bacteria entered the water from sewage, running from local hospitals.
However, despite the unexplored threats that occur in coastal waters, the researcher believes that there is no need to change the venues so far.
"I wouldn't say to change the venues because we don't know the risks yet," she was quoted as saying by CNN.
The detected type of bacteria can cause meningitis and pulmonary infections and poses threat as it is resistant to antibiotics.
Yachtsmen also reportedly complain of significant water pollution, claiming boats in the water become completely brown. Moreover, it also contains a lot of dead fish.
