New tests show water contamination in the Beaches of Río de Janerio

Athletes who ingest the equivalent of three teaspoons of water have a probability of 99% being infected by a virus.

A new round of tests by the Associated Press shows that the city's canals and beaches, such as Copacabana Beach, where the swimming sector will be held, are even more worrisome than previously believed.

In July, the AP reported that viruses causing diseases directly related to human wastewater were found in the first round of testing at levels of up to 1,7 million times, a figure that is considered alarming in the US or Europe. .

"The virus levels are so high in these Brazilian waters that we see those levels here in the United States, the beaches would probably be closed," said Kristina Mena, an expert on waterborne viruses.

Experts said that athletes would compete with the viral equivalent of sewage and health exposure is dangerous, "says a report from The Guardian.

A new batch of more recent tests conducted by the AP in August not only shows that there is no improvement in the quality of the water, but that it is more contaminated than previously thought.

None of the places are suitable for swimmers or athletes who ingest three teaspoons of water have a probability of 99% being infected by viruses.

We hope that this will be solved before the Rio Olympic Games arrive next year.

Photo: ITU