Pequannock High Cancels Football Game Due To Viral Outbreak

An outbreak of Coxsakievirus, also known as hand, foot, and mouth disease, has put a stop to the opening game at Pequannock High School, which was scheduled for later this week. Three high school students on the football team were reported to have the disease, according to a letter posted on the school's site by the Superintendent, Brett Charleston. After investigation, school officials announced that five football players had developed the disease, while another three players had fevers.

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is most commonly caused by Coxsackievirus A16, and often affects infants younger than 5 years of age. Although adults don't often contract the virus, when they do, it can be spread rapidly, as has happened in other countries like some in Asia.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the virus is spread through contact with an infected person, via coughs or sneezes, and handling of bodily fluids as well as feces. Those infected can exhibit symptoms like fever, reduced appetite, and sore throat. After the fever begins, painful sores can develop in the mouth, often in the back, and a skin rash may present. Some of those afflicted, especially adults, will not show any symptoms at all, but can still pass the virus onto other people.

"After consulting with the school doctor and with much consideration, all athletics and activities scheduled for Monday, September 5th, 2016 are canceled," Charleston reported on the school site recently. "Football practices and the opening game of the season, on Friday, September 9th, will be canceled. We anticipate that football will resume practice on Saturday, September 10th, 2016."

A request for comment from the school has not yet been granted.

Image via Spirit-Fire, Flickr, used under Creative Commons.