An outbreak of the flu has delayed an upcoming A-League Women’s match between Adelaide United and Melbourne City, as South Australia grapples with a record number of cases.
The clubs had been scheduled to face off in Melbourne on Wednesday afternoon, but governing body the Australian Professional Leagues (APL) said the match had been postponed based on the recommendations of medical staff.
It said an outbreak of influenza A was affecting a “significant portion” of the Adelaide squad.
“The APL chief medical officer along with club doctors have recommended that affected players should not travel and avoid participation in the fixture,” it said.
“Given this, the Reds have limited squad numbers available for Wednesday night’s fixture.”
The APL said it would reveal a new time and date for the match in coming days.
In a statement released by the club, coach Theo Tsiounis said it had been a “challenging last week”, and that “probably half the squad” was not available because of the outbreak.
“We have a squad of 25 and we had 11 players out here today, training,” he said.
“[We’re] very grateful for the league for allowing the game to be rescheduled and obviously not putting players at risk with their health — I think it just gives everyone an opportunity to get well and hopefully be available for our next game.”
South Australia is experiencing a record number of flu cases. (ABC Riverland: Catherine Heuzenroeder)
SA Health said the state is experiencing its highest number of flu cases on record with 33,854 cases, up from a total of 22,936 last year.
“There has been an unseasonal increase in flu notifications, predominantly of the influenza A strain,” SA Health said in a statement.
It recorded 319 hospitalisations and one death relating to the flu since November 1.
Last week, Chief Public Health Officer Nicola Spurrier said it was not too late to get vaccinated.
“If you’re shopping in Rundle Mall, drop into one of the wonderful pharmacies there and get your flu vaccine, give yourself a present and it will help you and your family get through this festive season with cheer, instead of spending the time in bed,” she said.