Rio Olympians to be exposed to super bacteria
By Brad Weiss
A deadly super bacteria is lurking in the waters of Rio, causing concern from athletes and scientists.
In their 2009 bid document, Rio used a promise to clean the city’s waterways as a way to win the right to host South America’s first Olympics. Seven years later, the water in Rio is still polluted, and the bacteria living in it is deadly. Researchers recently found this “super bacteria” in Rio’s Olympic venues and top beaches.
Two unpublished reports have shown the bacteria to be present in beaches that are set to host swimming events and in a lagoon slated to host rowing and canoe events, according to Reuters, who has seen the reports.
The super bacteria usually only shows up in hospitals, and is resistant to antibiotics. Hospitals in Rio de Janeiro dump their waste into storm drains and sewers, leading to the water supply being substantially polluted. In some areas, the super bacteria showed up in 90 percent of tests, including the main spectator venue for sailing events.
The description given for the dangers of the “super bacteria” from Reuters: “The super bacteria can cause hard-to-treat urinary, gastrointestinal, pulmonary and bloodstream infections, along with meningitis. The CDC says studies show that these bacteria contribute to death in up to half of patients infected.”
The findings heighten the fear that Rio’s sewage-infested waterways are still polluted.
The pollution of the water in Rio is not the only health concern for athletes who had planned on attending the Games. In recent weeks, Stephen Curry, James Harden, and Russell Westbrook have all decided against playing for the US Team this summer. Despite no mention of health concerns, the threat of Zika could be playing a big role in the lack of participation from some the best players in the country.
The threat of Zika is so big that some scientists have recommended the games be postponed, or that the USA pull out entirely. The athletes that have worked their whole lives to be in the Olympics should not have to worry about dying because of the dangers that are lurking in the water and on land.
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