Multiple Authors
San Diego State’s football team is confronting significant health and injury obstacles as it gears up for its upcoming Pac-12 conference matchup against Texas State on Saturday.
University communications revealed that San Diego County Public Health Services confirmed 14 cases of mumps within a single athletic team, though the institution has not officially identified which squad is affected. The San Diego Union-Tribune reported that the outbreak is linked to the football program.
The situation has already impacted the roster, with nearly three dozen players listed in Wednesday’s initial availability report, including 17 marked as doubtful or out for the game. Notable absences include running back Lucky Sutton, who is dealing with a high ankle sprain, and guard Michael Leville Watkins. Backup running back Javion Kinnard, who sustained a knee injury during last week’s 41-16 defeat at Toledo, is among the eight players listed as doubtful.
“The football gods have not really favored us with the injury luck,” San Diego State coach Sean Lewis told reporters Wednesday. “Guys have got to be ready to step into the light when the time comes. We’ve been given a nice storm here. But this too shall pass, and we’ve got to be able to see our way through it.”
The university initially confirmed three mumps cases and two probable cases on September 18, all connected to a single team. At that time, officials stated the affected players were no longer contagious.
Dr. T. Ghosh, medical director of San Diego State Student Health Services, explained in Wednesday’s email that mumps symptoms can appear 12 to 25 days after exposure, indicating recent spread within the team and potential exposure to additional close contacts. The email outlined recommended preventive measures including avoiding shared drinks and food, covering coughs and sneezes, frequent handwashing, cleaning commonly touched surfaces, and remaining home when illness strikes.
Mumps typically causes puffy cheeks, a tender swollen jaw, fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, and loss of appetite. In rare instances, the virus can lead to complications affecting the testicles, ovaries, brain, ears, breasts, and pancreas.
San Diego State is providing a complimentary MMR vaccine booster to help prevent further spread.
