Brazil Olympics: Super-bacteria found in Rio sea waters

Researchers in Brazil have discovered a drug-resistant bacteria in the sea waters where sailing and wind surfing events will be held during the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

The "super-bacteria" is usually found in hospital waste and produces an enzyme, KPC, resistant to antibiotics.

Researchers found the bacteria in samples taken from Flamengo beach.

Nearly 70 percent of sewage in Rio is spilled raw into the waters of Guanabara Bay.

The bacteria were found in samples taken from several locations along the Carioca River.

One of them was at the point where the river flows into the bay on Flamengo beach.

Residents have been told to take extra care.

Flamengo beach is frequently declared unfit for swimming, but many people disregard the official warnings.

The superbug can cause urinary, gastrointestinal and pulmonary infections.

Source: BBC