Center Moriches High School Football Game Canceled: What You Need to Know About the Coxsackievirus Outbreak and Other Influencing Factors

Center Moriches High School recently had to forfeit its football game because some players caught the contagious Coxsackievirus. Others were unavailable due to injuries or personal issues. Superintendent Ricardo Soto informed families that there are no new cases beyond the few players previously identified. Those affected will be allowed back once they receive medical clearance.

To keep everyone safe, the school conducted thorough cleaning of all facilities, including locker rooms and classrooms. The Coxsackievirus spreads easily through close contact, touching infected surfaces, or respiratory droplets from an infected person, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

This virus typically causes mild symptoms, including sores and rashes. Dr. Bruce Farber from Northwell Health noted that while it can be unpleasant, it usually resolves within a week, and there’s no need to panic.

The head football coach, Matt Millheiser, noticed signs of the virus when two players had blisters on their hands just before the game. Realizing several players were sick or recovering, he made the decision to forfeit to protect against spreading the illness further.

Millheiser stated that it was essential to respect the opposing team, Miller Place, and avoid exposing them to the virus. The locker rooms were disinfected, and players were asked to wash their uniforms.

Miller Place’s head coach, Adam St. Nicholas, learned about the forfeit while preparing for the game. While he felt disappointed at first, he understood the importance of keeping everyone safe.

Farber highlighted that sports environments, like locker rooms, are prime spots for the spread of viruses because players are in close quarters.

Looking ahead, Center Moriches is scheduled to play against Bayport-Blue Point. The team’s status for that game will be evaluated later this week.

While outbreaks like this can be concerning, they’re not uncommon, especially in contact sports. Staying informed and taking precautions can help reduce the spread of such viruses among young athletes.

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HS Football, Sports, Local education, Local K-12, Suffolk