South Dakota State head coach Jimmy Rogers. Samantha Laurey / Argus Leader / USA TODAY NETWORK

FCS game canceled due to whooping cough outbreak

By Austen Bundy | Last updated Sep 14, 2024 9:40 PM ET

Portland State was supposed to host South Dakota State on Saturday with its focus set on trying to upset the top-ranked FCS program.

However, the game was called off by Portland State with less than three hours until kickoff due to an outbreak of whooping cough within the Vikings program, according to ESPN's Eli Lederman.

A statement from Portland State Athletics, acquired by CBS Sports' Matt Zenitz, said multiple players "have been exposed to the disease" which broke out two days ago. The two programs determined "the game would not be played in the interest of the health of the student-athletes."

Portland State and South Dakota have cancelled their game today due to a Portland State whooping cough outbreak pic.twitter.com/UgvLsrTn2r
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) September 14, 2024

Whooping cough, scientifically known as pertussis, is a highly contagious bacterial infection that affects the respiratory system and is on the rise, per the CDC. As of June 2023, more than double the number of cases from 2022 had been reported.

The infection's symptoms appear like those of the common cold, but can escalate to something more serious depending on age.

They can also last for multiple weeks so Portland State's Week 4 game against Boise State could also be affected.

"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 to ESPN. "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 State will remain idle this week and move on to preparing for its Week 4 game against Drake on Sept. 21.

Austen Bundy

Austen Bundy is a journalist and sports junkie from the Washington, D. C. area

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