An outbreak of whooping cough has led to the cancellation of a college football game between Portland State and South Dakota. The game was scheduled to take place on Saturday, but concerns about the spread of the contagious and potentially dangerous illness forced officials to call off the competition.
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory disease that can cause severe coughing fits and difficulty breathing. It is spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, making large gatherings like football games a potential breeding ground for the illness.
Officials at both Portland State and South Dakota made the difficult decision to cancel the game in order to protect the health and safety of players, coaches, and fans. The outbreak has already affected both teams, with several players and staff members showing symptoms of whooping cough.
In a statement, Portland State head coach Bruce Barnum expressed disappointment over the cancellation but emphasized the importance of prioritizing the health and well-being of everyone involved. South Dakota head coach Bob Nielson echoed these sentiments, stating that the decision was made out of an abundance of caution.
The cancellation of the game is a blow to both teams, as it will disrupt their schedules and potentially impact their standings in their respective conferences. However, in light of the seriousness of the whooping cough outbreak, officials believe that it is better to err on the side of caution.
Both Portland State and South Dakota are now working to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread of the illness. It is unclear when or if the game will be rescheduled, but the safety of all involved remains the top priority.
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