Concern Grows for Week 4 College Football Matchup Due to Rare Disease Outbreak

The Week 3 college football matchup between Portland State and South Dakota is cancelled following an extremely rare outbreak of the whooping cough virus among Portland State players.

According to college football reporter John Canzano , a number of players fell ill on Thursday and were quarantined. This week's matchup against South Dakota may not be the only game affected by the outbreak, though, as Portland State is slated to visit Boise State in Week 4.

The Broncos' administration is already in contact with Portland State leaders to monitor the situation, according to an official release on Saturday.

"We are in communication with Portland State’s administration and will remain so as we continue to monitor the situation," the release states. "Our utmost priority and concern are for the health & safety of everyone involved"

According to the Center for Disease Control , whooping cough is transmitted through the air and those infected can remain contagious for at least two weeks.

It's unclear how many Vikings players came down with the virus. Considering the contagious period, it could play a major factor in whether or not next week's game against Boise State will be played as scheduled Saturday at 9:45 p.m. ET (FS1).

The Broncos are on a bye this week after going to the wire at No. 9 Oregon last week.

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