A new report from the World Health Organization has revealed two-thirds of global population under the age of 50 is infected with herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1).
Herpes simplex virus is classified into 2 different types: HSV-1, and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 are highly contagious and incurable. HSV-1 is mainly passed by oral-oral contact and usually causes cold sores around the mouth, while HSV-2 is almost solely sexually transmitted through skin-to-skin contact and causes genital herpes.
The report emphasizes that HSV-1 is also an important cause of genital herpes, the AHO said in a statement. Some 140 million people between the ages of 15 and 49 years have contracted genital HSV-1 infection. Fewer individuals in high-income countries have become infected with HSV-1 as children, probably due to better hygiene and living conditions, and are instead vulnerable to being infected with it genitally by means of oral sex after they become sexually active.
“Access to education and information on both types of herpes and sexually transmitted infections is critical to protect young people’s health before they become sexually active,” said Marleen Temmerman, the director of WHO’s Department of Reproductive Health and Research.
Earlier this year, the WHO found that nearly 420 million men and women between 15 or 49 years old have HSV-2, commonly known as genital herpes. Considered together, the estimates show that over 50 percent of a billion people between 15 and 49 years old have a genital infection due to either HSV-1 or HSV-2.
How do we prevent this?
“The new estimates highlight the crucial need for countries to improve data collection for both HSV types and sexually transmitted infections in general,” Temmerman said.
The WHO report revealed the greatest HSV-1 prevalence is in Africa, with 87 percent of both men and women being infected. The Americas were found to have the lowest prevalence, at 49 percent.
WHO said it is currently focusing on the development of a worldwide health industry strategy for sexually transmitted microbe infections (STIs), which includes for HSV-1 and HSV-2, and it is set to be completed for consideration at the 69th World Wellness Assembly in 2016.
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Feature Image: Thinkstock
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