Minnesota high school wrestling is rightly taking a timeout in an effort to stop the widespread outbreak of a skin disease.
The Minnesota State High School League reported Tuesday that 24 cases of herpes gladiatorum have been reported. Ten different teams have reported skin lesions about the face, head or neck since a December tournament in Rochester.
In a prompt directive Tuesday, the High School League has shut down high school wrestling for the next eight days.
This skin infection is spread by skin contact caused by the herpes simplex virus. This infection is not to be confused with the more serious genital herpes.
The skin infection is spread by oral secretions penetrating and get under the skin through cuts or scratches.
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The Minnesota State High School League, in conjunction with the Minnesota Department of Public Health, has taken bold steps to deal with the infection outbreak.
All direct contact -- in practice or competition -- is prohibited through Feb. 6. Practices and competition will resume Feb. 7.
The goal is to stop the infection spread now, thus preventing any disqualifications at the state tournament.
The league has been at the forefront on this skin issue. It has been aggressive in having skin checks prior to matches, a step not all states utilize.
While the shutdown will create rescheduling and coaching challenges, it is the correct action in dealing with the infection outbreak.
The protection of the wrestlers takes priority over those challenges.
