According to new estimates released by the World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday, approximately one person every second—around 42 million people annually—acquires a new genital herpes infection worldwide.
The report reveals that over 846 million people, or more than one in five individuals aged 15 to 49, are living with genital herpes infections globally.
Herpes simplex virus (HSV), commonly known as herpes, is a widespread infection that can cause painful blisters or ulcers. It is primarily transmitted through skin-to-skin contact. Although the infection can be treated, there is currently no cure.
In many cases, genital herpes presents with few or no symptoms. However, for some, it causes recurrent painful sores and blisters, leading to significant discomfort and often requiring frequent healthcare visits.
The estimates, published in the journal Sexually Transmitted Infections, show that in 2020 alone, over 200 million people experienced at least one symptomatic episode of genital herpes.
“Although most people with genital herpes have few symptoms, the high prevalence of the infection still leads to considerable pain and distress for millions of people worldwide. It also places additional pressure on already strained healthcare systems,” said Dr. Meg Doherty, WHO’s Director of Global HIV, Hepatitis, and Sexually Transmitted Infections Programmes.
The concerning statistics highlight the urgent need for new treatments and vaccines to reduce the impact of herpes and curb its transmission. Such measures could also help “reduce the transmission of HIV,” Dr. Doherty added.
There are two types of HSV—HSV-1 and HSV-2—both of which can cause genital herpes. The WHO estimates that in 2020, 520 million people were living with genital HSV-2, the strain most commonly transmitted through sexual activity.
Genital HSV-2 infections are more severe, often causing frequent outbreaks. It is responsible for about 90% of symptomatic genital herpes episodes and increases the risk of contracting HIV by three times.
HSV-1, on the other hand, is more commonly spread during childhood through saliva or skin-to-skin contact, usually around the mouth, where it causes oral herpes. However, HSV-1 can also be transmitted through sexual contact. In 2020, approximately 376 million people were estimated to have genital HSV-1 infections.
Of those, an estimated 50 million also had HSV-2, as it’s possible for individuals to be infected with both types simultaneously.
To reduce the risk of herpes transmission, the WHO recommends the consistent and correct use of condoms, as well as avoiding sexual contact during active outbreaks. Additionally, individuals with symptoms of genital herpes should be offered HIV testing, and where appropriate, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent HIV infection.
