Every Second, A New Genital Herpes Infection is Acquired Globally: WHO Report
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New Delhi, Dec 11 (NationPress) Every second, approximately one individual, equating to 42 million people annually, is estimated to contract a new genital herpes infection, based on fresh estimates released by the World Health Organization on Wednesday.
The report indicates that around 846 million individuals, or more than 1 in 5 people aged between 15 and 49, are currently living with genital herpes infections.
The herpes simplex virus (HSV), commonly referred to as herpes, represents a widespread infection that can lead to painful blisters or ulcers. It primarily disseminates through skin-to-skin contact. While it is treatable, it remains incurable.
Typically, these infections cause minimal or no symptoms; however, in certain instances, they can result in painful genital sores and blisters that may recur throughout an individual's lifetime, resulting in significant discomfort and often necessitating multiple healthcare visits.
The estimates, published in the journal Sexually Transmitted Infections, reveal that over 200 million individuals experienced at least one symptomatic episode in 2020.
“Although many individuals with genital herpes experience few symptoms, the sheer volume of infections means that genital herpes continues to inflict pain and distress on millions globally, further straining already overwhelmed health systems,” stated Dr. Meg Doherty, Director of Global HIV, Hepatitis, and Sexually Transmitted Infections Programmes at WHO.
The concerning statistics highlight the urgent need for new treatments and vaccines to mitigate the negative health impacts of the herpes virus and curb its transmission, which would also aid in “reducing HIV transmission,” Doherty added.
There are two primary types of HSV -- HSV-1 and HSV-2 -- both of which can lead to genital herpes.
According to estimates, 520 million people had genital HSV-2 in 2020, which is transmitted through sexual activity.
Genital HSV-2 is notably more severe and is significantly more likely to cause recurrent outbreaks, accounting for approximately 90 percent of symptomatic episodes and is associated with a three-fold increased risk of acquiring HIV.
Conversely, HSV-1 primarily spreads during childhood through saliva or skin-to-skin contact around the mouth, leading to oral herpes, with cold sores or mouth ulcers being the most common symptoms.
It can also be transmitted through sexual contact. About 376 million individuals are estimated to have experienced genital HSV-1 infections in 2020.
Among these, 50 million are estimated to also have HSV-2, as it is possible to be infected with both types simultaneously, according to the WHO.
The report advocates for the correct and consistent use of condoms to mitigate the risks associated with herpes transmission; individuals displaying active symptoms should refrain from sexual contact.
The WHO also advises that individuals exhibiting symptoms of genital herpes should undergo HIV testing and, if necessary, be offered pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV prevention.
