Millions of people below 50 have this incurable, often asymptomatic, STD

The global rise of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) continues to pose a significant threat to public health. A recent study published in the BMJ Journals Sexually Transmitted Infections revealed that the prevalence of genital herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 and 2 is at an all-time high worldwide. As of 2020, approximately 846 million individuals between the ages of 15 and 49 were living with a genital herpes infection, making up more than one-fifth of the population in that age group.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that one person acquires a genital herpes infection every second, totaling 42 million new cases each year. While HSV-2, which primarily causes sexually transmitted genital infections, is slowly declining, genital HSV-1 is on the rise. HSV-1, which is commonly associated with oral infections like cold sores, can also be sexually transmitted to cause genital infections.

The symptoms of genital herpes can be painful, with the development of genital sores and blisters that recur sporadically throughout a person’s life. In 2020 alone, more than 200 million individuals experienced at least one painful symptomatic episode due to the infection. It is important to note that not all cases of HSV are symptomatic, which increases the likelihood of transmission.

Dr. Laith Abu-Raddad, a professor at Weill Cornell Medicine in Qatar and a co-author of the study, emphasized the significant burden that genital herpes imposes on a global scale. He highlighted the economic costs associated with the infection, estimated at $35 billion per year, including healthcare expenditures and productivity loss.

Given the high incidence and prevalence of HSV worldwide, Abu-Raddad stressed the urgent need for new prevention and treatment measures, such as vaccines, to control the spread of the infection and reduce its burden. Currently, there is no cure for HSV, although treatments are available to manage symptoms and reduce the risk of complications, such as neonatal herpes.

Dr. Gabe Gaviola, a senior medical director at Everlywell, expressed concerns about the increased exposure to HSV and emphasized the importance of prevention, early diagnosis, and proper testing and treatment. Gaviola noted that the stigma associated with genital herpes may discourage individuals from seeking treatment or disclosing their status to partners, leading to further spread of the infection.

While there is ongoing research into the development of vaccines and antiviral therapies for HSV, the nature of the virus, which remains dormant in nerve cells after initial infection, makes it challenging to pinpoint a cure. Despite the obstacles, progress in vaccine development and treatment options is promising, and public health measures are crucial in managing the global burden of HSV.

Dr. Anna Wald, a professor at the University of Washington, highlighted the difficulties in developing a cure for HSV due to the nature of the virus and the challenges associated with vaccine development. However, she remains optimistic about the potential for preventative vaccines and ongoing research efforts to combat the spread of genital herpes.

In conclusion, the rising prevalence of genital herpes infections underscores the urgent need for enhanced prevention efforts, early diagnosis, and access to testing and treatment. With continued research and public health initiatives, there is hope for better control of HSV and a reduction in its global impact.