College Football Game Canceled Over Whooping Cough Case and Exposure: Officials

A case of whooping cough resulted in the cancellation of a college football game between South Dakota and Portland State on Saturday, officials said. Whooping cough, caused by the pertussis bacteria, impacts the respiratory system and can cause coughing fits that can last weeks, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Considered highly contagious, health officials say that whooping cough is particularly dangerous for younger children, especially infants. “A case of pertussis (whooping cough) got into the Viking team two days ago,” Portland State said in a statement in canceling the game. “Pertussis is a highly contagious disease that affects the lungs. As a result, many team members have been exposed to the disease.”...