A Valley high school football game is postponed on Friday after several student athletes were diagnosed with a bacterial skin infection.
Alhambra High School in west Phoenix and North High School in central Phoenix were slated to face off on Friday. However, the game was postponed after it was discovered several Alhambra players contracted impetigo.
Phoenix Union High School District officials say up to 20 players were diagnosed with the skin infection, which is highly infectious if the sores are broken.
The rashes were first discovered last week on the players’ elbows and forearms. The infection is treated with antibiotics and the sores are covered with bandages, health officials said.
All of the players are currently being treated, but it was recommended by health officials that athletes who were affected not participate in sports until they recover.
Air15 flew over the school on Wednesday and it appeared the football team was practicing. According to the school's athletic director, Dr. Zachary Munoz, the players infected are not at practice and those who were on the field were cleared to participate.
The custodial staff spent last weekend and earlier this week disinfecting and sanitizing the locker room, weight room, classroom and other common areas that may have been exposed to the bacteria.
The game has been rescheduled for Friday, Oct. 13. The new date is during the schools’ fall breaks.
