Portland State’s game against South Dakota was postponed shortly before kickoff after multiple players on the Vikings team were struck down by a whooping cough outbreak.
The team announced the decision just hours before the game and revealed that ‘many players’ in their football program were impacted by the illness.
A statement posted to the school’s athletics website read: ‘A case of pertussis (whooping cough) got into the Viking team two days ago.
‘Pertussis is a highly contagious disease that affects the lungs. As a result, many team members have been exposed to the disease.’
They added that no players are currently seriously ill, but team doctors from both Portland State and South Dakota decided that the best course of action was to cancel the game.
Portland State tight end Elias Spence is pictured during a game against Washington State. It is unclear whether he is among the affected players.
Portland State head coach Bruce Barnum stands on the sidelines for the Oregon game
The decision was made to ensure that South Dakota players don’t also contract the disease, as medics try to contain the spread.
Portland State’s next opponents Boise State have already released a statement of their own ahead of the Week 4 matchup, revealing that they are ‘monitoring the situation’.
‘We are in communication with Portland State’s administration and will remain so as we continue to monitor the situation as it pertains to next Saturday’s game. Our utmost priority and concern are for the health and safety of anyone involved.’
Heading into the scheduled game at Hillsboro Stadium, Portland State were 0-2, and South Dakota were 1-1.
