Approximately 846 million people between the ages of 15 and 49 suffer from genital herpes, which is equivalent to one in five people worldwide in this age group, according to the World Health Association (WHO). It was announced on the 1st (local time).
At least one person is infected with a new genital herpes virus every second, with about 42 million new cases occurring each year, WHO said.
However, most people show few or no symptoms, so the virus often remains a ‘silent health problem’. this is because there is no preventive vaccine or treatment.
“Despite the stigma around genital herpes affecting millions of people, this issue is not sufficiently discussed,” said dr. Sami Kotlib, WHO’s medical director. “Not enough is being done to address this common infection.” He said in a press release.
There are two types of herpes virus. Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2).
HSV-2 is mainly transmitted through sexual contact and accounts for 90% of all HSV symptom cases. Blisters or ulcers may form around the genitals.
‘Journal Sexually Transmitted Infections’according to a study published in , approximately 520 million people were infected with HSV-2 as of 2020. HSV-2 increases the risk of infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), by three times.
As of 2000, HSV-1 affected approximately 376 million people. Of these, 50 million are estimated to be together infected with HSV-2. HSV-1 is spread through saliva or skin contact during childhood, causing oral herpes, but can also cause genital infection through sexual contact.
A video of a British doctor warning that babies under 3 months old should not be kissed due to the risk of infections such as herpes recently became a hot topic online.
Studies have shown recent changes in HSV-1 transmission patterns in several countries. While oral infections in childhood are decreasing, genital infections in adulthood are increasing.
There is no cure for herpes. There are only treatments that can relieve symptoms.
To reduce the risk of infection, WHO recommended wearing a condom during sexual intercourse and avoiding sexual contact when symptoms appear. In addition, they said they are seeking basic solutions such as the development of vaccines and targeted treatments for prevention.
“Better prevention and treatment options are urgently needed to reduce herpes transmission, which will also contribute to reducing HIV transmission,” said Dr Meg Doherty, WHO director of HIV and sexually transmitted infections.
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