News Summary
Akron Garfield High School has canceled its upcoming football game against Revere Local Schools due to health concerns regarding hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD). This decision follows the diagnosis of two Revere players with HFMD and is intended to protect students and staff from potential health risks. The Akron Public School District emphasizes the importance of student well-being and takes a proactive stance in preventing the spread of the contagious illness. The canceled game will not be rescheduled, and a no-contest ruling has been requested.
Akron, Ohio
Akron Garfield High School Cancels Football Game Over Health Concerns
Akron Garfield High School has canceled its upcoming Friday night football game against Revere Local Schools due to concerns related to hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD). The decision was announced by Revere Local Schools as a preventative measure amidst recent health developments.
Background on the Cancellation
The cancellation affects an interstate high school football matchup scheduled for this week. Despite Revere High School having two players diagnosed with HFMD within the past two weeks, the team remained prepared to compete. However, Akron Garfield High School determined that participating could pose a health risk to students, staff, and the wider community.
Health Concerns and District Response
The Akron Public School District emphasized that, given its large size—serving over 19,000 students and thousands of staff— illnesses can rapidly spread within the district. As a result, the district described the cancellation as a proactive step to prevent potential transmission of HFMD.
Michelle Marquess-Kearns, the district’s executive director of school leadership, underscored that student well-being is the top priority. The decision aligns with efforts to protect students and the community from contagious diseases.
Details About the Disease
Hand, foot and mouth disease is a highly contagious illness that primarily affects young children, especially those under five years old. It is caused by viruses from the Enterovirus genus. Symptoms include fever, sore throat, painful mouth sores, and rashes that appear on the hands and feet. The illness typically resolves on its own within seven to ten days, but can spread quickly in communal settings like schools and sports teams.
Revere Local Schools’ Position
Revere High School confirmed that two students had been diagnosed with HFMD but maintained that the team was healthy and ready to play. The school’s leadership expressed transparency about the situation and cooperated fully with the district’s precautionary measures. Revere High School Principal Doug Faris publicly announced the game cancellation.
Impact on the Scheduled Game
The canceled game will not be rescheduled, and the Ohio High School Athletic Association has been requested to issue a no-contest ruling regarding the event. This ensures the game’s outcome will not impact league standings or athletic records.
Community and Expert Reactions
Some community members and medical professionals have voiced opinions about the safety measures. Pediatrician Dr. Jeffrey Archinal criticized the cancellation as an overreaction, suggesting that other contagious illnesses such as flu or COVID-19 should also prompt similar precautions. However, the district prioritized preventing the spread of HFMD specifically, citing its high contagiousness and impact on young children.
Related Incidents and Broader Context
This cancellation follows recent local health concerns, including the decision by Norton High School to cancel a football game due to HFMD. Such measures reflect a broader attention to communicable diseases during the current season, emphasizing caution in school sports and activities.
Final Notes
The decision at Akron Garfield High School demonstrates a focus on public health safety during an ongoing concern about contagious illnesses. Education and sports officials continue to monitor health developments closely, aiming to balance participation with safety for students and staff alike.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
High School Football Game Canceled in Revere
Additional Resources
- Fox 8 News
- Wikipedia: Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease
- Cleveland.com
- Google Search: Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease
- WKYC
- Google Scholar: Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease
- Cleveland 19 News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease
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