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Mumps hit WHL

On the heels of an outbreak of mumps within the dressing room of the Vancouver Canucks comes word from the Western Hockey League that its teams have been infected.

The league sent out a statement Friday night stating cases of the mumps have been confirmed within one of its clubs.

While the league didn't name the team directly, a published story on Sportsnet states seven players and a coach on the Medicine Hat Tigers were hit with the virus.

Since learning of the outbreak in early February, the WHL says it has been working with its Team Services Committee, all 22 teams and their training staffs, plus several health authorities to ensure proper steps are being taken to minimize the spread of the virus.

The statement goes on to say:

"All WHL clubs were immediately advised by the WHL office to take all necessary precautions, including sanitization of all locker room areas and equipment. All WHL clubs were also asked to review vaccination histories of players and team staff and strongly recommend vaccination if necessary. The medical and training staff members of each WHL club and the WHL office are on alert for anyone displaying mumps symptoms, including officials, and isolating individuals as required.

"The health and welfare of all WHL players, staff members and fans is the League’s top priority. With the assistance of the health authorities, all WHL clubs are continuing to ensure sanitization, early detection and isolation protocols are being followed diligently. While there is an extremely low risk of spectators contracting the virus, the WHL has also instructed all WHL clubs to advise players to refrain from any direct contact with fans at this time."

Mumps is a contagious disease caused by a virus. It spreads through saliva or mucus from the mouth, nose, or throat.

Vancouver Canucks defenceman Troy Stetcher also has a confirmed case of the mumps. Four other players, Chris Tanev, Nikita Tryamkin, Markus Granlund and Michael Chaput, may also have the virus.



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