Tahs prop isolated after swine flu fears

Wayne Smith | June 18, 2009
Article from: The Australian

WARATAHS and Wallabies prop Sekope Kepu has been placed in isolation and is being tested for swine flu.

Test number eight Wycliff Palu and Barbarians winger Ratu Nasiganyavi, who came into contract with Kepu in the 24 hours before he developed severe flu-like symptoms on Monday, are being monitored but almost certainly will be advised not to attend training tomorrow.

Kepu, who made his Test debut for the Wallabies under Robbie Deans on last year's tour of Europe but was passed over for the team after missing most of the Super 14 because of injury, called in sick on Monday after having played for Randwick against Parramatta at Granville on Saturday.

Waratahs manager Chris Webb said that when Kepu and his wife both developed a fever, the team's doctor Sharron Flahive took appropriate steps.

"Sekope has been placed on (the anti-viral drug) Tamiflu, kept in home isolation and tested for swine flu," Webb said.

"We should get the results in two or three days. But he hasn't been in contact with any squad members since then."

Neither Palu nor Nasiganyavi has fallen ill but a close watch is being kept on them and they too will be started on Tamiflu should they develop any symptoms. No NSW player apart from Kepu has been tested at this stage.

Waratahs officials alerted Randwick of Kepu's condition but first grade coach Garry Ella last night was unaware of any other players who might be cause for concern.

"Sekope phoned in and missed training on Tuesday night, but any player who has the flu is told to stay at home as a matter of course," Ella said.

The Wallabies are being more vigilant than ever about hygiene as they prepare for the second Test against Italy on Saturday in Melbourne, where the incidence of swine flu has been the highest in Australia.

"We're being pretty cautious," starting debutant Quade Cooper said. "The boys have hand wash that they're carrying around.

"We're just trying to keep it low-key and not go to too many places with big crowds. You don't want to bring it (swine flu) into camp. If one person gets it, the whole team can get it. Hopefully we've done a good job at keeping it at bay."