College Football game canceled after players struck down with 'highly contagious disease'

Portland State's game against South Dakota was canceled before kickoff on Saturday after some Vikings stars were struck down by a whooping cough.

The decision to cancel the game was made just hours before the 0-2 Vikings were due to welcome the 1-1 Coyotes to Hillsboro Stadium. The football program revealed that several of its players were struck by the highly contagious virus.

"A case of pertussis (whooping cough) got into the Viking team two days ago," a statement read. "Pertussis is a highly contagious disease that affects the lungs. As a result, many team members have been exposed to the disease."

No players are seriously ill amid the outbreak - but team doctors from both teams determined that it would be better to cancel the college football clash. The visiting team wanted to ensure that none of their players were hit with the same outbreak.

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The two programs and their team doctors have been in discussions regarding the situation," the statement continued. "It was determined by Portland State that the game would not be played in the interest of the health of the student-athletes. It should be noted that no players on the Viking team are seriously ill at this time."

Boise State will take on Portland State next and the football program has already released a statement to say that they are monitoring the Vikings' situation ahead of the Sept. 21 matchup.

"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," Boise State said.

Whooping cough has also been called the 100-day cough, and symptoms can include coughing fits, fatigue, and labored breathing, which could cause chaos to the school's football schedule. It can also cause fractured ribs from intense coughs.

CDC data shows cases of the disease have increased nationwide in recent weeks. “Preliminary data show that more than four times as many cases have been reported as of week 33, reported on August 17, 2024, compared to the same time in 2023,” the CDC said.

“The number of reported cases this year is higher than what was seen at the same time in 2019, prior to the pandemic.”