Dunkley struck down by flesh-eating disease
July 13, 2000

It has been announced the Canada's Pat Dunkley is receiving treatment for necrotizing fasciitis, otherwise known as the flesh-eating disease.

The 27 year old is thought to have contracted the disease after suffering a gash on his calf during Canada's recent Epson Cup clash against Fiji in Samoa.

He became ill during the flight back to Victoria and after his leg was checked by doctors on his arrival he was diagnosed with the disease.

Following the surgery national squad physician Dr Dave Hepburn commented, "This is by no means something that is over and done with. It's much too early in the game to predict the final outcome here, his condition is associated with a life-threatening situation."

Doctors feel the spread has been contained for now, and they have not had to remove any muscle from his leg, just subcutaneous (soft) tissue that has been damaged by the bacteria.

The rest of the Canadian squad are receiving tests and team officials have contacted both the Fijian and Samoan rugby unions to advise them of what has happened and to monitor any of their players for similar problems.

A decision has yet to be made whether Canada's Epson Cup clash with Japan this Saturday will still take place.

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