An estimated 491 million people aged 15–49 (13%) worldwide have HSV-2 infection.
Herpes simplex virus
General Information
The Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is categorised into 2 types: HSV-1 and HSV-2.
Like Varicella Zoster Virus, latent HSV infection can re-activate and lead to recurrent outbreaks of symptoms.
Transmission
HSV-1 is mainly transmitted by oral-to-oral contact, causing oral herpes (including symptoms known as cold sores), but it can also lead to genital herpes.
HSV-2 is a sexually transmitted infection that causes genital herpes.
Symptoms
Both types of HSV can cause an eye infection (Herpes simplex ophthalmicus) which can lead to blinding complications.
Most HSV infections are asymptomatic, but symptoms of herpes include painful blisters or ulcers that can recur over time.
Epidemiology
An estimated 3.7 billion people under age 50 (67%) have HSV-1 infection globally.
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