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MEDFORD, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Five men's lacrosse players at Tufts University are hospitalized with a serious medical condition after a recent workout, the school said.
On Monday, 50 student athletes participated in a 45-minute workout on campus led by a university alum and graduate of the BUD/S Navy SEAL training program, Tufts said.
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The university said 12 members of the lacrosse team have been diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis (rhabdo), a life-threatening condition that often occurs after overexertion or injury.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the condition causes damaged muscle tissue to release its proteins and electrolytes into the blood. These substances can damage organs and lead to nausea and vomiting, seizures, kidney damage or failure, dangerous heart rhythms, permanent disability, or death.
Tufts said the number of confirmed cases and the number of those hospitalized could change.
"Our thoughts are with the players and their families, and we are hoping for their quick return to good health under the care of local medical experts," the school said in a statement.
The university has postponed all team practices until each member has been evaluated and medically cleared to return. Tufts is also appointing an independent investigator to conduct a thorough review of the incident.
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