WHO rules out routine virus tests in Rio's Guanabara Bay

The Rio 2016 Olympics organizing committee insisted Friday that testing of waters in Guanabara Bay where sailing and some swimming events will take place meet new recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO).

A document released today by the WHO ruled out routine testing for viruses in the waters of Guanabara Bay. Recommendations made to the Rio 2016 organizing committee and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) are to step up the frequency of testing for bacteria.

The document was published on the WHO website in response to questions about health risks for athletes competing in Rio's open waters for the sailing, rowing, canoe and swimming events.

"Tests for viruses will not be conducted because the WHO does not see the need," said Mario Andrada, Rio 2016's executive director of communication at a media briefing.

The WHO confirmed that it does not recommend virus testing as routine monitoring because there are no standardised methods for it, making the interpretation of results difficult.

"The guidelines of the WHO are for tests to focus on two types of bacteria - enterococci and E.coli," said Andrada, explaining that tests were carried out weekly, or every three days, and eventually on a daily basis.

The recommendation for the frequency to be stepped up will be followed, confirmed Andrada, although the WHO has not established an ideal number relating to tests to be carried out.