RIO DE JANEIRO, Dec. 16 (UPI) -- Researchers discovered a drug-resistant bacteria in the waters where the 2016 Olympic windsurfing and sailing events will take place. The so-called superbug is toxic and difficult to treat, researchers said.
The Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC)-producing bacteria were found in three areas of Carioca River, which runs through the city into Guanabara Bay where some Olympic events will be held. Flamengo Beach, which is considered a good viewing spot for the sporting events, is frequently deemed unsafe although many ignore the warnings.
Scientists at Brazil's Instituto Oswaldo Cruz said the KPC-producing bacteria are commonly found in hospitals and can cause gastrointestinal, urinary and pulmonary infections. United States researchers have found the bacteria to be associated with a high illness and death rate.
Study coordinator Ana Paula D'Alincourt Carvalho Assef said no one has been contaminated so far.
"The problem is that in case of infection it is possible that treatment involves hospitalization," Assef said.
Pollution has long been a problem in Guanabara Bay because nearly 70 percent of the city's raw sewage is spilled directly into the bay. The fecal pollution rate in the waterway is 78 times more than the Brazilian government considers satisfactory and 195 times greater than the U.S. considers safe.
In the Olympic bid, Rio officials vowed to reduce the pollution by 80 percent. In June, officials announced the cleanup won't be done in time for the events, which also include a 10K open swim in nearby waters.
