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Akron schools cancel game against Revere High School after HFMD outbreak

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AKRON, Ohio — Akron Public Schools (APS) canceled the football game against Revere High School after an outbreak of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) on the latter team, according to a release from APS.

What You Need To Know

  • Akron Public Schools canceled a football game against Revere High School, due to an outbreak of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease on the latter team

  • In a release, the district said it is keeping students’ health and safety a top priority

  • The disease is very contagious and usually clears in seven to 10 days, according to the Cleveland Clinic

The district said its top priority is the health and safety of its students.

“The well-being of our students is non-negotiable,” said Michelle Marquess-Kearns, executive director of School Leadership, in the release. “Out of an abundance of caution, we are taking this proactive measure to prevent any potential spread of the illness to our own athletes and community members. This decision reflects our commitment to prioritizing health and safety above all else.”

The district highlighted its size, as well as concerns about how quickly an outbreak could spread. It also noted the risk that comes with a contact sport, such as football, in passing the disease.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, the viral infection is “very contagious” and “causes a blister-like rash on your child’s hands and feet and painful sores in their mouth. The disease most often affects babies and children younger than 5 years old. HFMD is typically mild and usually clears up on its own within seven to 10 days.”

Cleveland Clinic said symptoms could include:

  • Mild fever
  • Sore throat
  • Runny nose
  • Stomacheache
  • Loss of appetite

Once those symptoms go away, Cleveland Clinic said these new ones arrive:

  • Itchy rash on hands, soles of feet, elbows, knees, genitals or buttocks
  • Painful sores in the mouth
  • Swollen lymph nodes

The district said it is making a request with the Ohio High School Athletic Association that it issues a “no contest” ruling on this game, meaning it would not be considered a win or loss for either school.

“This is a tough call for everyone involved, especially our athletes and their families who have worked so hard for this game,” said Joseph Vassalotti, athletics coordinator for APS, in the release. “We know how much this game means to our players, but the health of our students and our opponents must come first. We appreciate Revere’s transparency and collaboration in this matter.”

Cody Thompson

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