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A group of researchers from the UK, Switzerland, Qatar, and the USA have assessed the significant global health burden caused by the spread of herpes simplex virus (HSV). Alarming trends are being recorded in the incidence of both oral and genital herpes. The findings were published in the journal Sexually Transmitted Infections.
Epidemic of Herpes
Herpes simplex viruses—HSV-1 and HSV-2—are responsible for chronic infections affecting millions of people worldwide. These infections are not only widespread but also have significant long-term health and wellbeing consequences.
Oral herpes, or HSV-1, which is typically acquired in childhood, is increasingly recognized as the leading cause of genital herpes in high-income countries. This type can lead to other serious complications, including neurological diseases, corneal diseases, and mucosal infections.
HSV-2 is the primary cause of genital herpes, leading to a range of complications. These include recurrent genital ulcers and an increased risk of transmission of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Neonatal herpes, transmitted from mother to child during childbirth, occurs less frequently but poses a high risk of fatal outcomes for the infant.
In addition to the painful genital sores, genital herpes is associated with a range of social and psychological adverse outcomes, including effects on sexual relations, quality of life, and mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.
Study authors
The Scope of the Problem
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2020, 3.8 billion people under 50 (64%) worldwide were infected with HSV-1. Genital herpes caused by HSV-2 affected 520 million adults aged 15 to 49 (13%).
HSV-2 affects women nearly twice as often as men. The prevalence increases with age, although the highest number of new infections occurs among teenagers and young adults.
New Data of Herpes Prevalence
Researchers used data from systematic reviews and meta-analyses collected up until 2020 across countries, reorganized into WHO regional groups. The data was also divided by gender.
The analysis shows that, in 2020, 25.6 million people aged 15-49 were infected with HSV-2, and 17 million with genital HSV-1. In comparison, in 2012, new cases of HSV-2 were reported in 19.2 million people.
Women make up a disproportionate share of all herpes cases: approximately 6.2% of women compared to 3.5% of men. This trend is even more pronounced in regions like Africa, where the disease burden is highest.
While traditionally associated with oral infections, HSV-1 is increasingly being acquired genitally in high-income countries due to changes in sexual practices.
Study authors
Incidence rates were notably higher among youth, especially in Africa and the Americas. This reflects both demographic trends and different patterns of sexual behavior across regions.
Economic Burden and Call for Immediate Action
The global burden of complications related to herpes is immense. Over 200 million people worldwide live with genital ulcers caused by both types of herpes. The total number of person-days due to this is estimated at 8.8 billion dollars. This staggering statistic highlights the economic and emotional burden on those affected.
According to researchers, despite advances in treatment, the lack of a herpes vaccine means that preventive efforts remain insufficient. Given the millions of new cases, especially among women, the development of an effective herpes vaccine has never been more crucial.
One reason for the widespread herpes nature is that even barrier contraception does not provide 100% protection. The asymptomatic nature of the disease further adds to the risk of oral herpes transforming into genital herpes. This is why regular gynecological check-ups are so essential. Experienced doctors at the “Lior” Medical Center can assist with accurate diagnosis and therapy. For more information and to schedule an appointment, please call +380 73 200 6198 or contact us via Telegram at this number.
