Danny
16-03-2005, 08:34 AM
A unique condition for the Tahs to tackle......
Tahs deal with encephalitis scare
By Jon Geddes
March 16, 2005
FOX SPORTS
WARATAHS medical staff have allayed fears that all New South Wales players will have to be screened for encephalitis after one of their rising stars contracted the potentially fatal disease.
Halfback Josh Holmes is recovering in the intensive care ward of Mona Vale Hospital after being diagnosed on Saturday with the condition that causes inflammation of the brain.
"We got onto it quickly enough and the staff have been unbelievable at the hospital," said his relieved dad Mark, the co-coach of Warringah.
While encephalitis can be life threatening and Holmes was very sick, the prompt medical treatment he received means he will make a full recovery and play again this season.
But he has been ruled out of the Australian side for the upcoming Under-19 World Cup in South Africa.
Holmes, who finished school last year, has been impressive playing for NSW A this season.
Waratahs doctor Sharron Flahive said the 18-year-old was believed to have contracted a strain of the virus which is present in 90 per cent of the population.
"It lies dormant, but from time to time can become active and infect people," Dr Flahive said.
"We have been informed that he is no risk to close contacts or other team members so there is need for mass immunisations," Dr Flahive said.
And she pointed out that Waratah players do not share water bottles.
Meanwhile an MRI scan yesterday showed Mat Rogers has suffered a mild grade two groin strain and he is expected to miss the Waratahs next two games against the Stormers and the Bulls.
He and five-eighth Lachlan MacKay (ribs) could be back for the big round-six game with the Crusaders on April 2.
"It's the best news I've had on the injury front for a while," Rogers said last night.
Tahs deal with encephalitis scare
By Jon Geddes
March 16, 2005
FOX SPORTS
WARATAHS medical staff have allayed fears that all New South Wales players will have to be screened for encephalitis after one of their rising stars contracted the potentially fatal disease.
Halfback Josh Holmes is recovering in the intensive care ward of Mona Vale Hospital after being diagnosed on Saturday with the condition that causes inflammation of the brain.
"We got onto it quickly enough and the staff have been unbelievable at the hospital," said his relieved dad Mark, the co-coach of Warringah.
While encephalitis can be life threatening and Holmes was very sick, the prompt medical treatment he received means he will make a full recovery and play again this season.
But he has been ruled out of the Australian side for the upcoming Under-19 World Cup in South Africa.
Holmes, who finished school last year, has been impressive playing for NSW A this season.
Waratahs doctor Sharron Flahive said the 18-year-old was believed to have contracted a strain of the virus which is present in 90 per cent of the population.
"It lies dormant, but from time to time can become active and infect people," Dr Flahive said.
"We have been informed that he is no risk to close contacts or other team members so there is need for mass immunisations," Dr Flahive said.
And she pointed out that Waratah players do not share water bottles.
Meanwhile an MRI scan yesterday showed Mat Rogers has suffered a mild grade two groin strain and he is expected to miss the Waratahs next two games against the Stormers and the Bulls.
He and five-eighth Lachlan MacKay (ribs) could be back for the big round-six game with the Crusaders on April 2.
"It's the best news I've had on the injury front for a while," Rogers said last night.