RIO DE JANEIRO - Just days ahead of the Olympic Games, the waterways of Rio De Janeiro are as filthy as ever. They are contaminated with raw human sewage teeming with dangerous viruses and bacteria, according to a 16-month-long study commissioned by The Associated Press.

Not only are some 1,400 athletes at risk of getting violently ill in water competitions, but the AP's tests indicate that tourists also face potentially serious health risks on beaches.

The AP's survey of the aquatic Olympic and Paralympic venues has revealed consistent and dangerously high levels of virsues from the pollution.