Rio de Janeiro virus fears over sewage in water

Just days ahead of the Olympic Games the waterways of Rio de Janeiro are as filthy as ever, contaminated with raw human sewage teeming with dangerous viruses and bacteria, according to a 16-month-long study.

Not only are some 1,400 athletes at risk of getting violently ill in water competitions, but the Associated Press tests indicate that tourists also face potentially serious health risks on the golden beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana.

The survey of the aquatic Olympic and Paralympic venues has revealed consistent and dangerously high levels of viruses from the pollution, a major black eye on Rio’s Olympic project that has set off alarm bells among sailors, rowers, and open-water swimmers.