Why was Portland State vs South Dakota canceled? Will it be rescheduled?

The football game between Portland State and South Dakota was canceled due to an outbreak of whooping cough within the Portland State team. The decision was made to prioritize the health and safety of the student-athletes, as whooping cough, or pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory illness.

The announcement came just hours before the scheduled kickoff. Portland State released a statement explaining that the outbreak had affected several team members, making it unsafe to proceed with the game.

As of now, there are no plans to reschedule the game. Both teams are said to be focusing on the health of their players and will provide updates as the situation evolves. Fans who purchased tickets are advised for information regarding refunds.

What is whooping cough and how does it affect people?

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a bacterial infection caused by Bordetella pertussis. It primarily affects the respiratory tract, leading to severe coughing fits. The name “whooping cough” comes from the distinctive “whoop” sound that follows a coughing fit as the person gasps for air.

The symptoms of whooping cough typically start with mild cold-like signs such as a runny nose, nasal congestion, red and watery eyes, fever, and a mild cough. After about a week or two, the symptoms worsen, leading to severe and prolonged coughing spells. These coughing fits can provoke vomiting, cause a red or blue face, and result in extreme fatigue.

Whooping cough is highly contagious and spreads through droplets from coughs or sneezes of an infected person. It can affect people of all ages, but it is particularly dangerous for infants and young children who are not fully vaccinated.