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Researchers find an antibiotic-resistant super-bacteria in the sailing waters for the Olympics
Rio officials insist the risk to sailors will be "minimal" despite the research
Sailors have already complained less than two years out from the Games for its filthy waters
70% of the city's sewage is spilled into the bay where the Games sailing will take place
Olympic chiefs have pledged to arrest fears that sailors and windsurfers at the next Games will not just have to deal with their rivals on the water but a potential super-bug under it.
Researchers have found a bacteria more typically encountered in hospital waste which produces the enzyme KPC in several different locations along the Carioca River, which feeds Guanabara Bay where the sailing events will take place.
The bacteria is resistant to antibiotics and can cause urinary, gastrointestinal and pulmonary infections although Rio officials are adamant the risk is “minimal.”
But the International Olympic Committee insisted it had been made aware of the problem and was working closely with Rio officials to minimize any potential risks.
The IOC statement, sent to CNN, read: “The health and safety of the athletes is our number one priority. Rio has created a task force to monitor this situation and we are being kept fully updated by them.
“We will continue to work with Rio to ensure that the athletes are able to compete safely and in the best conditions possible.”
The research is the work of the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, considered one of the world’s main public health research institutions.
Study coordinator Ana Paula D’Alincourt Carvalho Assef, of the foundation, said in an email to the Associated Press: “There is a risk of contracting diseases, which are not more serious than those caused by other microorganisms. The problem is that in case of infection, it is possible that treatment involves hospitalization.
“Since the super-bacteria are resistant to most modern medications, doctors need to rely on drugs that are rarely used because they are toxic to the organism.”
Earlier this year, biologist Mario Moscatelli described the Marina Gloria, which will serve as a base for the sailing competitions, as a “toilet.”
While Rio mayor Eduardo Paes admits a planned clean-up will not be completed prior to the Games, state officials have allayed fears over the risk to sailing competitors that take to the water.
In a lengthy statement from the State Environmental Institute, forwarded to CNN, it said: “According to the president of the institute (State Environmental Institute) Isaura Frega the bacterium is not very resistant in the environment, especially in salt water.
“There’s no need to panic. The possibility of discovering this bacteria in our beaches is minimal, almost non-existent – assured Isaura Frega, highlighting that there are no records of people – contaminated with the bacteria outside of the hospital environment – being admitted to Rio de Janeiro’s public hospitals.
“KPC is a bacteria which loses its potency when it comes into contact with salt water. It’s not an aggressive bacteria. It’s only resistant to antibiotics. It only represents a risk to those people who have a weak immune system – explained the specialist.”
As for Rio 2016 organizers, they have been in contact both with the government and also the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation.
A spokesman for Rio 2016 told CNN: “We were alerted to a possible presence of KPC-type bacteria in some parts of the Carioca River. Rio 2016 created a task force regarding this matter.
“The group will continue to monitor the matter very closely and discuss with the government and with specialists the solutions to prevent contamination of the water and continue to guarantee the safety of athletes. This issue does not impose any change in our planning for the test events and competition events.”
