Full coverage: 2016 Rio Olympics

Concerns have been mounting over South America's first Olympic Games, which is probably the most unsettled in decades. Topping the list are water pollution and the Zika virus. However, despite the worries, officials are trying to assure people that they will be safe in the city.

The Olympic Park is in the upscale suburb of Barra da Tijuca. It certainly looks spectacular. But problems still persist.

Prolonged water pollution is raising concerns that the venues for sailing, rowing, canoeing and open-water swimming could be filled with bacteria and viruses.

The 1,600 athletes competing there could be at risk. Despite that, organizers have put up a robust defense to deal with the Guanabara Bay waters.

"We monitor the water on a daily basis. We are in close communication with the international federation and the IOC to discuss these measurements. We respect the World Health Organization's premises and parameters for water quality. We are within these parameters so we are sure everything is going to be fine for the Games," said Gustavo Nascimento, Rio 2016 Venues Design Manager.

Away from the bay, the Zika virus also threatens athletes and tourists.

Brazil has recorded 91-thousand new cases of the disease since the start of the year. Three people have died from the mosquito-borne virus.

The country is also the epicentre of the outbreak, reporting around one-point-five million infections of the two-million global cases.

But Rio's health officials are full of confidence. They reassured people travelling to the metropolis that the likelihood of contracting the virus is low, especially since the Games will be held in the winter months in Brazil.

"About the risk of Zika at the Olympics, it's very unlikely. We don't expect to have the disease transmitted by the mosquito during that time. Mosquitos are not very prevalent in winter. That has not been a big issue in the last 100 years in this city," said Daniel Soranz, Rio Municipal Secretary of Health.

The Olympics are just around the corner, but the road could still be bumpy. Rio has no choice but to be steadfast, and preferably cleaner.