The Rio Olympics is on but the problems that surround Guanabara Bay and other bodies of water remain unsolved. Worse, the athletes' health is now at risk since the pollution problems have not been better despite 16 months of testing for viruses and other infectious bacteria.
Local Pediatrician Dr. Daniel Becker is sad and worried about the worsening condition of the waters. He stated frankly that "foreign athletes will literally be swimming in human crap, and they risk getting sick from all those microorganisms," quotes Sydney Morning Herald.
Notably, the Marina da Glória in Guanabara Bay is the site of the windsurfing and sailing events, while Copacabana Beach will be the location for the marathon swimming and triathlon competitions. Both of the areas are highly infested with pathological bacteria.
According to The Australian (via Mail Online), Guanabara bay still has 248 million per litre billion of adenoviruses, which is higher than they thought. The tremendous number of bacteria can cause serious stomach and respiratory illnesses to the Olympians.
The website also noted that swimmers who will accidentally swallow at least three tablespoons of the water are at high risk of acquiring the infection. Thus far, medical staff needs to standby during the event for treating any cuts.
Furthermore, the chairwoman of the Department of Integrative Biology at the University of South Florida Valerie Harwood expressed her worries as well. "That's a very, very, very high percentage."
What happened to the effort of the Brazilian government in preparation for the Rio Olympics? As per SMH, event organizers have done their best in resolving the problem, but to no avail.
But more than the environmentalist and scientist, the Rio Olympics participants are the most worried about the worsening condition of the Guanabara Bay. Spanish women's sailing team coach Nigel Cochrane are still "disgusted" despite the assurance from the Olympic committee that the will not be harmed.
More updates about the events in Rio Olympics 2016 here at AutoWorldNews.
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