Herpes

A study highlights that high-income and upper-middle-income nations bear the greatest economic burden from herpes infections as of 2016.

About Herpes Simplex

• Herpes is a group of viral infections caused by herpes simplex viruses (HSV).
• The virus resides in nerve cells and cycles between periods of dormancy and activity.
• Transmission occurs through direct contact with infected individuals or contaminated surfaces.
• Symptoms include painful sores or blisters, commonly appearing on the lips, mouth, genitals, and anus.

Types of Herpes Simplex Virus

1. Type 1 (HSV-1)
   • Spread primarily through oral contact.
   • Causes infections around the mouth (oral herpes or cold sores) and can also lead to genital herpes.
   • Most adults are infected with HSV-1.
2. Type 2 (HSV-2)
   • Transmitted through sexual contact.
   • Causes genital herpes.
   • Many infected individuals have mild or no symptoms, but the virus can cause painful blisters or ulcers that recur.

Treatment and Prevention

• There is no permanent cure for herpes, but medications can manage symptoms and reduce transmission.
• Prevention efforts focus on promoting safe sexual practices to prevent HSV-2 transmission and educating about the risks of oral-genital contact for HSV-1.

Prevalence

• Globally, as of 2016, about 67% of people under 50 had HSV-1 infection, primarily acquired during childhood.
• HSV-2 affects approximately 13% of individuals aged 15–49 worldwide, with higher prevalence among women due to more efficient transmission from men.

Herpes in India

• The National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) reports a herpes prevalence rate in India ranging from 3 to 10%.
• Higher prevalence is noted in states like Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Gujarat.

This information underscores the global impact of herpes infections and highlights regional variations in prevalence and impact.