Genital Herpes: Who Raises Alarm Over Infection Rate

A new data from the World Health Organisatiion (WHO) has raised concerns over genital herpes infection, especially its prevalent rate amongst young people.

The organization says around 846 million people aged between 15 and 49 live with genital herpes, and that at least 1 person each second – 42 million people annually – is estimated to acquire a new genital herpes infection.

Currently, there is no cure for herpes and it could lead to painful genital sores and blisters that can recur throughout life, causing significant discomfort and often requiring multiple healthcare visits.

According to the estimates, more than 200 million people aged 15 to 49 suffered at least one such symptomatic episode in 2020.

The study published in the journal Sexually Transmitted Infections, also submits that new treatments and vaccines are needed to reduce adverse health effects of the herpes virus and control its spread.

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“While most people with a genital herpes infection experience few symptoms, with so many infections genital herpes still causes pain and distress for millions globally and strains already overburdened health systems,” said Dr Meg Doherty, Director of Global HIV, Hepatitis and Sexually Transmitted Infections Programmes at WHO.

“Better prevention and treatment options are urgently needed to reduce herpes transmission and will also contribute to reducing the transmission of HIV.”

It says that genital herpes could occasionally lead to serious complications, including neonatal herpes – a rare condition most likely to occur when a mother acquires the infection for the first time in late pregnancy and then transmits the virus to her baby during childbirth.

While informing of the two types of the herpes simplex virus (HSV), known as HSV-1 and HSV-2, both could which can lead to genital herpes.

Estimates released by the organisation, says 520 million people in 2020 had genital HSV-2, transmitted during sexual activity.

“From a public health perspective, genital HSV-2 is more serious since it is substantially more likely to cause recurrent outbreaks, accounts for around 90% of symptomatic episodes, and is linked to a three-fold increased risk of getting HIV.

“Unlike HSV-2, HSV-1 primarily spreads during childhood through saliva or skin to skin contact around the mouth to cause oral herpes, with cold sores or mouth ulcers the most common symptoms.

“In those without previous infection, however, HSV-1 can be acquired through sexual contact to cause genital infection in adolescence or adulthood”, the study says, adding:

“Some 376 million people are estimated to have had genital HSV-1 infections in 2020. Of these, 50 million are estimated also to have HSV-2 as it is possible to have both types at the same time.

“Stigma around genital herpes means it has been discussed too little, despite affecting millions of people globally.

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“Not enough has been done to address this common infection,” said Dr Sami Gottlieb, an author of the report and Medical Officer within WHO’s Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research including the UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP).

“Expanded research and investment in developing new herpes vaccines and therapies, and their equitable use, could play a critical role in improving quality of life for people around the world”, the study submitted.