The 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro are still about two years away, but problems with pollution are already surfacing.
Researchers announced Monday they found a drug-resistant bacteria known as Klebsiella pneumoniae Carbapenemase, or KPC, in the waters of Flamengo Beach, an area surrounded by Guanabara Bay where Olympic water sports are supposed to take place.
Contracting the KPC bacteria can result in pneumonia, blood infection and urinary tract infection.
Brazilian news outlet VEJA reports scientists from Instituto Oswaldo Cruz took multiple samples from waters in Rio in July. The super bacteria found in Flamengo is reportedly often found in hospital waste.
Which wouldn't come as a complete shock. The area is known for subpar sewage disposal systems.
The BBC reports, "Nearly 70% of sewage in Rio — a city of some 10 million people — is spilled raw into the waters of Guanabara Bay."
Despite the government getting $1 billion in loans over the last 20 years to clean up the bay, it still remains a mess.
"Officials cite new sewage treatment plants, floating garbage barriers and small trash collecting vessels called eco-boats as measures to prepare the bay for 2016," reports Simon Romero for The New York Times.
Officials say locals have been notified of the dangerous bacteria and are being told to stay away from the area for now.
