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Contagious infection takes wrestling to the mat

Infection Control Monitor, February 2, 2007

High school wrestling events came to a temporary halt across Minnesota this week because of an outbreak of a skin infection, herpes gladiatorum, that infected 24 athletes, according to news reports.

The Minnesota State High School League on Tuesday suspended all wrestling competitions after athletes at about a dozen schools were affected. Competition and practice will resume February 6, in time for the state tournament at the end of the month.

Herpes gladiatorum is caused by the herpes simplex 1 virus, the same strain that causes cold sores, and is spread through skin-to-skin contact. Wrestlers are especially prone to catching the virus because of the close contact involved in the sport. The suspension is meant to control the outbreak, allow time to diagnose new cases, and treat those with an infection.

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