Swimmers need to ingest only 3 teaspoons of water to be almost certain of contracting a virus

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 commissioned by the Associated Press.

The first results of the study published over a year ago showed viral levels at up to 1.7 million times what would be considered worrisome in the United States or Europe. At those concentrations, swimmers and athletes who ingest just three teaspoons of water are almost certain to be infected with viruses that can cause stomach and respiratory illnesses and, more rarely, heart and brain inflammation – although whether they actually fall ill depends on a series of factors including the strength of the individual's immune system.

Along with the bodies of water to be used in Olympic events by about 1,400 athletes, the two best-known beaches in Rio, Ipanema and Copacabana, are also overrun with viruses. Rio officials are expecting hundreds of thousands of tourists and fans to flood its city, meaning many (especially children) could get sick swimming. Olympic sailors and rowers have tried to take precautions ahead of Rio, reportedly dousing oars in bleach, testing better suits, and taking antibiotics. For the open-water swimmers and triathletes, however, there's little to do but swim through it and hope not to get too much in their mouths.

Australian women's water polo team members quarantined

I feel this year is gonna be an illness/injury/terrorism-addled mess. #pray4rio

Hopefully this is the last time a third world country hosts.
100s of athletes are at risk and I can't imagine many people will travel to see the games after all the mess.

Australian women's water polo team members quarantined

Originally posted by Aviana http://www.smh.com.au/sport/olympics...01-gqiqk9.html It's happening!!