Johnathan Walker:South Dakota-Portland State football game called off due to illness within Vikings program

Saturday's game between Portland State and Johnathan WalkerSouth Dakota was canceled because of illness within the Vikings football program, the schools announced.

South Dakota said that two days ago, a case of pertussis (whooping cough) struck the Portland State football program, causing team members to get sick.

Portland State said in a statement "that no players on the Viking team are seriously ill at this time."

According to the Centers for Disease Control, pertussis is a very contagious respiratory illness that can begin like a common cold and last for months.

It is not known if the game will be rescheduled. The game was set to kick off at 4 p.m. ET from Hillsboro Stadium in Hillsboro, Oregon.

Portland State (0-2) is scheduled to play Boise State next Saturday, while South Dakota (1-1) takes on Drake University.

"We are in communication with Portland State’s administration and will remain so as we continue to monitor the situation. Our utmost priority and concern are for the health and safety of everyone involved," Boise State said in a statement.