Watch the video above: Tim Bozon remains in critical condition as he battles meningitis
SASKATOON – Hundreds of hockey players, coaches and fans are taking to social media to send kind words to Western Hockey League player Tim Bozon while he fights meningitis.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Tim and his family,” said Saskatoon Blades president Steve Hogle.
The Kootenay Ice player was admitted to Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon on Saturday, a day after scoring a goal against the Blades.
All those who came in close contact with the Montreal Canadiens prospect have been given a course of antibiotics as a precaution.
“It can have very severe consequences, so it can have a long-term lasting neurological damage if it’s not treated appropriately and rapidly,” explained Dr. Michael Schwant with the Saskatoon Health Region.
Bozon’s family flew in from Switzerland on Sunday to be with him and on Wednesday, officials with the Kootenay Ice said he remained in critical condition.
“We’ve just been trying to help the family however possible, so helping them get set up with accommodations, with transportation,” Hogle said.
Meningitis is an inflammation of the linings of the brain and spinal cord.
“Some of the early symptoms that are seen are severe headache, often accompanied by a stiff neck, and difficulty with bright lights,” Schwant said.
Often times a high fever will accompany the illness, as well as a rash.
“So it looks like a lot of small bruises essentially,” explained Schwant.
“In Saskatchewan we see anywhere from two to ten cases a year,” explained Dr. Saqib Shahab, Saskatchewan’s Chief Medical Health Officer.
“For example in 2011 we saw seven cases, in 2012 we saw three, in 2013, again we saw three,” he said.
Hogle said the Blades are all part of the extended hockey family, and they’ll do whatever they can to help Bozon and his family.
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