Scientists in Brazil say they’ve discovered a so-called “superbug” in the waters of Rio de Janeiro that will host the 2016 Summer Olympic sailing and windsurfing events.  The bacteria is usually found in hospital waste and is notoriously difficult to treat because it’s resistant to most antibiotics.

Brazil’s most respected health research facility, the Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, tested water samples in several locations along the Carioca River and Guanabara Bay.  The researchers found bacteria that produce the so-called KPC enzyme that make it resistant to most forms of treatment.  That tainted river flows through the areas slated for Rio’s 2016 sailing and wind surfing events.  The institute said no instances of infection resulting from the contaminated water have yet been detected, but is warning of possible danger to swimmers.

“The illnesses caused by these microorganisms are the same as those caused by common bacteria, but they require stronger antibiotics and, sometimes, can require hospitalization,” said the Instituto’s Ana Paula D’Alincourt Carvalho Assef.  “Since the super bacteria are resistant to the most modern medications, doctors need to rely on drugs that are rarely used because they are toxic to the organism.”

And if athletes exposed to the superbug don’t get sick immediately, they run the risk of transmitting it to others. 

Back in June, Rio de Janeiro Mayor Eduardo Silva admitted that officials will not be able to meet a goal of reducing pollution in the waters around the events before the beginning of the games.