Swine flu outbreak at Washington State, UH's next foe, causes concerns
Associated Press
With Washington State University in the midst of a swine flu outbreak, the Pac-10’s coaches are keeping a close watch for any sign of the flu among their players.
Washington State plays Hawaii Saturday in Qwest Field in Seattle, which is 288 miles from WSU's campus in Pullman.
So far more than 2,000 WSU students have reported flu-like symptoms.
Attendance at last Saturday’s football game in Pullman was down, likely because of publicity about the flu. Hand sanitizer was available at the concession stands.
Coach Paul Wulff said 16 players have come down with the flu at different times, and top receiver Daniel Blackledge missed practice Tuesday because of the flu.
Wulff, however, said that to his knowledge none of his players have confirmed cases of the H1N1 virus.
Arizona’s Mike Stoops said he doesn’t believe there is cause for alarm, yet.
“I think you’re just much more aware of it now, and try to isolate you players as much as you can,” he said.
Oregon State coach Mike Riley said his trainers have addressed the team about swine flu precautions, including hand washing.
The issue was of concern in Oregon because last month a flu bug hit the Western Oregon University football team, sickening about 30 players in fall camp. When the H1N1 virus hit WOU last spring, all athletic events were canceled.