Saturday’s home game against South Dakota was canceled due to an outbreak of whooping cough within Portland State’s football program, the Vikings announced Saturday.
“A case of pertussis (whooping cough) got into the Viking team two days ago,” Portland State’s Saturday statement said. “Pertussis is a highly contagious disease that affects the lungs. As a result, many team members have been exposed to the disease.”
Both teams and their team doctors discussed the situation, and ultimately Portland State (0-2) made the decision not to play the game “in the interest of the health of the student-athletes.”
Portland State did not say how many players had gotten sick but said none were seriously ill as of Saturday’s statement.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, whooping cough — which is transmitted through the air — can be contagious for at least two weeks after a person starts coughing. The CDC recommends vaccinating against whooping cough.
Portland State was coming off losses to Washington State and Weber State to open the season. The Vikings are set to visit Boise State next Saturday.
“We are aware of Portland State’s decision to cancel their game against South Dakota due to health and safety protocols,” Boise State said in a statement Saturday. “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.”
South Dakota (1-1) is next set to host Drake on Sept. 21.
Portland State said information about ticketing and potential refunds for Saturday’s canceled game will come at a later date.
