Northport Football Players Infected By Impetigo

Three Northport High School football players have been diagnosed with impetigo, a bacterial skin infection caused by Group A Streptococcus GAS or “strep.”

It can be transmitted through direct person-to-person contact, as well as indirectly through contact with an item such as a wrestling mat, gear, towel, razor or cell phone.

Contacted by phone on Thursday, Director of Health, Physical Education and Athletics Drew Cronin said players were told to take their things home on Wednesday, and the district has taken the proactive step of disinfecting the locker rooms. 

Symptoms usually begin 1-3 days after infection, appearing as small red spots, usually on the face around the mouth and the nose, but can appear anywhere on the body. The sores are usually itchy but not painful, and develop into blisters that break and ooze fluid. After a few days, the ruptured blisters form a flat, thick, yellowish-brown crust that eventually disappears, leaving red marks that heal without scarring. Swollen glands may also be a symptom, but there is usually no fever. 

Parents of any student showing signs of impetigo should contact their healthcare provider. 

At nearby Hauppauge High School, from a MRSA infection last spring, which prompted a statewide call for more sanitary proceedures at schools.

Cronin said athletes who are diagnosed with impetigo will need to be cleared by a physician before being allowed to play.

The Tigers' is at Connetquot on Saturday at 2 p.m.