As the global media looks to Brazil for the Rio 2016 Olympiad that is set to begin on August 5, 2016, the event has been mired by controversy over the country’s capability to host the games, the Zika virus and the quality of water around Rio.
The games are estimated to cost up to $20 billion, which includes $3 billion on a new train line which will be open to the public once the games have finished.
Scientists have warned of the pollution from untreated sewage in the water where 1,400 Olympic athletes will be competing, with competitors being told not to swallow the water and avoid putting their heads under water if possible.
Kristina Mena, an Associate Professor of public health at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, told the Associated Press: “Those virus levels are widespread. It’s not just along the shoreline but its elsewhere in the water, therefore it’s going to increase the exposure of the people who come into contact with those waters.
“We’re talking about an extreme environment, where the pollution is so high that exposure is imminent and the chance of infection very likely.”
