Olympics 2016: Super bacteria found in water at Rio sailing venue

Water at the sailing venue for Rio 2016, described as filthy by sailors whohave trained there, has been found to contain a “super bacteria” that is resistant to antibiotics.

The Irish sailing team, which has visited the site, said there is concern among team members about the water condition and also concern about the rubbish that is floating and submerged in Guanabara Bay.

"I'd be lying if we were not concerned about it," said James O'Callaghan, team manager with the Irish Sailing Association. "All of the sailors have highlighted their concerns, but in honesty it is the rubbish that is a bigger problem than the sewage itself.

“The organisers are aware that they have a problem. They have even said they won’t make the targets and have also said it will be a safe place for athletes. We would take precautions wherever we go and have all of our vaccinations up to date. Yes, we are more aware of it because of the particular problem in Rio.”

Caught on the keel

Plastic bags and other debris have caught the keels and rudders of boats, More than half the water that flows into the bay is sewage.

Organisers have promised to reduce that amount by 80 per cent by the time the sailing and windsurfing events start in August 2016.

Olympic Council if Ireland (OCI) president Pat Hickey, who is also a member of the International Olympic Committee's Rio Commission, was unavailable for comment.

A spokesman said that a team of Irish doctors would be leaving for Rio in the New Year, led by Team Ireland medical director Dr Sean Gaine. The team will report back to the council on their return.

Scientists at Rio de Janeiro’s Oswaldo Cruz Foundation discovered the bacteria, which is normally found in hospital waste and can cause a variety of complaints, including urinary, gastrointestinal and pulmonary infections.

The bacteria produces an enzyme called KPC, which is resistant to antibiotics.

"There is the risk of contracting diseases, which are not more serious than those caused by other microorganisms," said study coordinator Ana Paula D'Alincourt Carvalho Assef. "The problem is that, in case of infection, it is possible that treatment involves hospitalisation.

“Since the super-bacteria are resistant to the most modern medications, doctors need to rely on drugs that are rarely used because they are toxic to the organism,” she said.

Samples found

The bacteria was in water samples taken at three spots along the Rio Carioca, which runs into the Guanabara Bay. One sample was found at the point where the river flows into the bay on Flamengo beach.

Residents have been told to take extra care as Flamengo beach is frequently declared unfit for swimming. But many people disregard warnings.

"I've been sailing all over the world for 20 years now, and this is the most polluted place I've ever been," Denmark's Allan Norregaard, who is a bronze medallist from the 2012 London Olympics, said earlier this year.

“It’s really a shame, because it’s a beautiful area and city, but the water is so polluted, so dirty and full of garbage.”

While sailing in the bay, Norregaard said he saw entire trees, doors, chunks of timber with nails protruding, swollen mattresses and endless plastic bags.