Galaxy Star Gets Swine Flu; Officials Advise Caution
Donovan said Thursday he had tested positive for the H1N1 virus
Thursday, Jan 7, 2010 | Updated 2:54 PM PDT
Landon Donovan #10 of the Los Angeles Galaxy plays the ball against the New York Red Bulls at Giants Stadium in the Meadowlands on July 16, 2009
The U.S. Soccer Federation announced Friday that it is advising Men's National Team members who came in close contact with Los Angeles Galaxy star forward Landon Donovan to take a course of Tamiflu to help fend off swine flu.
Donovan said Thursday he had tested positive for the H1N1 virus, commonly known as the swine flu.
Galaxy coach-general manager Bruce Arena told the Los Angeles Times Donovan is believed to have contracted the virus from a team administrator and chiropractor who came down with it during Saturday's game against the New England Revolution in Foxborough, Mass.
Arena said Donovan was at the “tail end” of the illness.
Donovan told The Times he was feeling slightly ill when the U.S. National Team traveled to Mexico City for Wednesday's game -- in which the United States lost 2-1 to Mexico. Donovan played all 90 minutes of the game.
In response to his diagnosis, the U.S. Soccer Federation recommended that other players or coaches who may have been in contact with Donovan to take a course of Tamiflu.
“We have prescribed the medication to players, coaches and staff members who may have come in close contact with Landon Donovan solely as a preventative measure,” said Dr. David Wallis of the U.S. Soccer medical staff. “Based on CDC recommendations, individuals who did not experience close contact with the player, such as journalists, fans or opposing players, do not need to take any preventative measures.
“As of now, no other member of the U.S. team delegation has indicated any symptoms associated with the virus and at this time we do not believe additional steps are necessary. However, we will be continuing to monitor the situation and CDC recommendations very closely as we continue to learn more.”
The Galaxy is scheduled to play the Seattle Sounders FC Saturday at The Home Depot Center. Donovan told The Times he doubted he would play.
“We'll see,” Donovan told The Times. “It may be a stretch.”
Arena told The Times he would make a decision later whether Donovan would play.
Donovan had two goals and an assist in three Major League Soccer games in July and was named as the league's player of the month. He is tied for third in goal-scoring with nine in 15 games.
News of Donovan's illness was first reported on Sports Illustrated's Web site, si.com.
