Spider-Man NL Posted May 10, 2005 Share Posted May 10, 2005 http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?id=124482 New Jersey Devils forward Patrik Elias is recovering from an illness which threatens his NHL playing career. Elias recently returned to the United States following a month-long hospital stay in the Czech Republic after contracting a severe case of Hepatitis A. The hepatitis A virus infects and can damage the liver and can be fatal. While there are two vaccines a person can take, there is no medication to treat the disease once someone is infected, just rest and a healthy diet. "I'm not worried, but the doctors obviously are," Elias tells the Newark Star-Ledger. "The doctors told me they had a patient in the same hospital a year ago with a case of hepatitis A that was not as bad as mine. His liver gave out on him and he died. So..." An infectious disease specialist contacted by the Star-Ledger tells the newspaper that Hepatitis A is transmitted by "oral-fecal contact" usually through water or food and is common in underdeveloped countries with poor sanitation systems. Doctors believe Elias contracted the disease from food he ate while playing in Russia during the NHL lockout. Devils general manager Lou Lamoriello says team doctors have told him Elias should be able to make a full recovery within three to six months. "You never know how long it will take, but Patrik had a pretty serious case," New Jersey-based agent Todd Diamond tells the newspaper. "It's possible he wouldn't be ready for camp (this fall)." "I'm not going to rush anything," Elias said. "I'm going to take it easy. The worst thing would be overdoing it. I could damage my liver for life. Hockey's not on my mind at all." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Psycing Posted May 11, 2005 Share Posted May 11, 2005 I read this article today... terrible news. Elias is one of my fav players in the NHL, he's awesome. I hope he can get through this alright, but it looks like his chances are slim Doubt we'll see him playing when the NHL comes back. Get well soon! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trizzak Posted May 11, 2005 Share Posted May 11, 2005 This might cause a few players to think twice about playing overseas if there is no NHL season again. Terrible news. I hope he makes a full recovery. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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