E.coli in water forces Tokyo to cancel swimming at Paratriathlon World Cup

TOKYO (Reuters) – High levels of E.coli bacteria forced Tokyo officials to cancel the swimming segment of Saturday’s Paratriathlon World Cup, raising concerns about next year’s Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Water quality tests at Odaiba Marine Park found fecal bacteria levels far exceeded accepted limits, organizers said, forcing them to pull the plug on the swimming events.

The change was the latest to highlight problems that could arise during next year’s Games due to Tokyo’s sweltering summer temperatures.

Soaring temperatures have killed dozens of people across Japan since late July, highlighting the possible health threat to athletes and fans. Next year’s Summer Olympics will be held between July 24-Aug. 9, followed by the Paralympics on Aug. 25-Sept. 6.

After Saturday’s course format was changed to a duathlon, British Joseph Townsend, a former Royal Marine Commando, won the men’s race for wheelchair athletes. Japan’s Wakako Tsuchida won the women’s race.

Most varieties of E.coli are harmless or cause relatively minor diarrhea, but more aggressive strains can cause severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea and vomiting, and in some cases lead to a form of kidney failure.

Tokyo 2020 organizers told Reuters that they would install more filtering screens in Tokyo Bay ahead of the Games.

Spokesman Masa Takaya said in a statement on Saturday that a comprehensive review would be undertaken and best efforts would be made to provide a “safe and sound environment for athletes” in the Games next year.