Minnesota high school officials have suspended all wrestling matches and contact practices for more than a week after an outbreak of herpes gladiatorum, a contagious skin infection.
No competitions or direct contact between players were permitted from Jan. 30 to Feb. 6, although running and other forms of conditioning were allowed.
As of last week, 24 cases of the infection at 10 schools had been reported. The first case was noticed at a tournament in late December, according to the Minnesota State High School League, which instituted the ban. The virus is spread by skin-to-skin contact, and symptoms include lesions on the face, hands, and neck.
Wrestling matches were set to resume Feb. 7. The state tournament is scheduled for Feb. 28 to March 3.
