Herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1) is the most common herpes and causes orofacial/labial herpes. For its part, the sexually transmitted HSV-2 is the cause of genital herpes. In the case of the first virus, transmission is mainly by contact with the oral mucous membranes and causes cold sores, which are generally very localized.
However, some clinical cases have been described as “gladiator’s herpes”. Why ? Because cases of extensive lesions over a large part of the body have been reported in rugby players and sumo wrestlers in Japan.
Transmission au contact
Indeed, the practice of contact sports (although a little less brutal than the fights that gladiators fought), such as wrestling or sumo, increases the risk of virus transmission. A late diagnosis then increases the risk of transmission to other players by contact due to the high contagiousness of the virus.
In this case, the manifestation of this form of herpes “may begin with swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, blisters on the face, arms and legs”, describes the IRBMS.
Sources : dr-efi.com, IRBMS et OMS.