‘Super Bacteria’ Found in Rio’s Olympic Waters

Scientists with Brazil’s most respected health research institute say they’ve discovered a drug-resistant “super bacteria” in waters where Olympic sailing events will be held.

The Instituto Oswaldo Cruz says that in samples taken from various spots along the Carioca River it has discovered bacteria that produce an enzyme making them resistant to most forms of treatment. Among the spots is where the river flows into Rio’s Guanabara Bay, site of the 2016 sailing events.

Bacteria with the so-called KPC enzyme are generally found in hospitals and are notoriously difficult to treat.

In a statement Monday, the institute said no instances of infection resulting from the contaminated water have yet been detected but warned of possible danger to swimmers.

Brazil has pledged to clean up Guanabara Bay ahead of the Olympics.