A skin infection caused by a herpes virus has been reported in a member of the varsity wrestling team at Penn-Trafford High School, district officials said.
The district has confirmed one case of herpes gladiatorum, a form common among athletes who have skin-to-skin contact, said Peggy DiNinno, assistant to the superintendent.
She said teammates potentially were exposed during practice sessions and the district was contacting parents and taking precautions to prevent the infection from spreading.
"The situation is very contained," DiNinno said.
The wrestling team has not held meets with other schools yet this season, she said, and a scrimmage this Saturday was cancelled.
Penn-Trafford and a handful of other area districts had outbreaks last year as well, DiNinno said.
Last December, the district suspended wrestling for two weeks.
Dr. Michael Cordes, director of sports medicine at the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association, said reports of herpes gladiatorum have increased over the past five to seven years.
Cordes said the infection was caused by herpes simplex, the same virus that causes cold sores. While there is no cure, anti-viral drugs can be used to prevent flare-ups and reduce their duration, Cordes said.
The lesions begin as a red area accompanied by a burning sensation and then develop into painful blisters that are contagious until they crust over, Cordes said.
The lesions can appear anywhere on the body and are often confused with other skin infections, including the bacterial infection MRSA.
Cordes said any athlete with a skin infection should see a doctor.
Good hygiene and diligent monitoring are the keys to preventing skin infections, said Cordes.
Because the disease might also be transmitted on mats and towels, facilities need to be kept clean as well. Athletes should not share towels.
"You've got to be very cautious," said Cordes. "Herpes is forever."
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