A Viral Meningitis outbreak at Port Adelaide Football Club has worsened.
Two AFL listed players were hospitalised at the weekend and the club announced on Wednesday night that three SANFL Academy players contracted the disease in the past 48 hours.
They have not been identified but the club says all three responded well to treatment and have already been discharged from hospital.
Listed players Jarrad Redden and John Butcher were admitted to hospital on the weekend but have since been released and are said to be feeling considerably better.
Port medical staff have informed players and club staff of the dangers of infection from what is said to be a typical winter outbreak.
"What has occurred here at Port Adelaide is a typical community outbreak that is not unusual within a small community environment like a football club," Port Adelaide chief medical officer Dr Mark Fisher said.
"This virus is particularly prevalent within the community at this time of the year and it is most likely that someone has brought it into the club and it has spread from there.
"The common signs of viral meningitis include severe flu-like symptoms, headache and nausea.
"The good news is that John Butcher and Jarrad Redden are both out of hospital and on the mend resting at home. We would expect them to remain away from the club for the next seven to ten days.
"And our three Magpie players who were diagnosed in the last 48 hours have all progressed very well and are already home recuperating."
Port chief executive Keith Thomas says the club has been vigilant since learning of the virus.
"We sought immediate advice from two Infectious Disease experts from the Health Services Department who provided comprehensive recommendations to achieve a best practice response to this situation and protect our staff and players in the future."
Share
