Epidemiology of Herpes Simplex Among Wrestlers

Abstract

Herpes simplex among wrestlers is a novel expression of herpetic infection, which, to our knowledge, had not been reported in the English literature prior to 1964.^1,2This report analyzes the epidemiological data of an outbreak at Dartmouth College during the 1964-1965 wrestling season. The incidence in the Northeast was determined from questionnaires completed by physicians at colleges competing in this area. <h3>Materials and Methods</h3><h3>Local Epidemic.—</h3> The Dartmouth College team consisted of 19 healthy white men engaged in active competition in intercollegiate wrestling. They represented all weight classes; their ages ranged from 18 to 22 years. Specific historical information was recorded as to the presence of the atopic diathesis (personal or immediate-family history of hay fever, asthma, eczema, or migraine) and previously documented herpes infection. All wrestling contacts during the preceding three weeks were recorded. The examination of the skin included a detailed recording of any abrasions or other