January 15, 2005

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  Herpes spreads to mat

  
  

  
  

  By Don Hunt
  For the Tidings
  

  A handful of wrestlers at Crater and Grants Pass high schools have been diagnosed with herpes, athletic directors at both schools confirmed Thursday.
  

  The Crater wrestlers apparently contracted the viral infection while competing at a tournament in Fresno, Calif., Dec. 11-12 and then spread the disease to the Grants Pass team when they met for a dual match on Dec. 16.
  

  The wrestlers are thought to have contracted the infection caused by Herpes Simplex Virus-1, commonly known as oral herpes. The virus usually features lesions or "cold sores" on the lips, nose and surrounding areas.
  

  Diseases such as bacteria-based impetigo and fungus-based tinea, or "ringworm," are not uncommon on wrestling teams, where the participants are in constant close proximity with one another and work out in warm, humid areas.

  
  

   

  • 10:44 pm
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