WHO and sailing body seek virus tests in Rio Olympic venues

In this March 27, 2015 photo, Fernando Spilki, virologist and coordinator of the environmental quality program at Feevale University, holds a sample of water taken from the Rodrigo de Freitas Lake, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The Associated Press commissioned the study of the virus and bacteria levels in the waters where Olympic athletes will compete next year in Rio de Janeiro. The testing found dangerously high levels of pathogens from human sewage waste.

By Associated Press August 1, 2015 5 min read

RIO DE JANEIRO – The World Health Organization has asked the IOC to analyze virus levels in Rio de Janeiro’sOlympic waters, and the governing body of world sailing says it will start doing its own independent virus tests.

The moves come after an Associated Press investigation showed a serious health risk to Olympic athletes in venues around Rio rife with sewage.

In a statement to the AP, the World Health Organization said it suggested the International Olympic Committee start monitoring for viruses at the Rio venues.

“WHO has also advised the IOC to widen the scientific base of indicators to include viruses,” the statement said. “The risk assessment should be revised accordingly, pending the results of further analysis. The Rio Local Organizing Committee and the IOC are requested to follow WHO recommendations on treatment of household and hospital waste.”

A spokesman from the Rio organizing committee referred comment to the IOC, which is meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.