Port Adelaide players did not train on Monday or Tuesday while the club moved to contain a viral meningitis outbreak, it was revealed today.
After a second AFL listed player was hospitalised on Sunday, the club sought advice from state health authorities and began a “total cleanse” of its premises.
“When Jarrad Redden was also confirmed on Sunday we rang the infectious diseases department (at SA Health) and spoke to them on Monday,” Port Adelaide chief executive Keith Thomas told ABC radio today
“We sent both teams (SANFL and AFL) home; they didn’t train Monday or Tuesday.
“We then did a hospital-grade cleansing of the premises.
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“We also took advice from physicians regarding drinking utensils, pools, spas and the fact that a lot of the boys live together.
“We monitored the health of everyone.”
Despite the precautions, the club announced last night that three SANFL Academy players had 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.
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Redden and John Butcher were admitted to hospital on the weekend but have since been released and are said to be feeling considerably better.
“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 10 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 has a crucial game against Sydney at home on Saturday night.
The training interruption isn’t an ideal preparation and the club continues to monitor its players.
