Genital Herpes Infections Affect 846 Million People Globally, WHO Urges Greater Investment in Treatment and Prevention.
Geneva:
New estimates released by the World Health Organization (WHO) reveal that an alarming 846 million people aged 15 to 49 are living with genital herpes infections worldwide—over 1 in 5 individuals within this age group. The figures, published in the journal Sexually Transmitted Infections, highlight the scale of the problem, with at least 42 million new infections annually, translating to one person acquiring the virus every second.
Although many people with genital herpes experience few to no symptoms, for others, the infection leads to painful genital sores and recurrent outbreaks, requiring ongoing medical treatment. The report estimates that more than 200 million people suffered from symptomatic episodes in 2020 alone, underscoring the global burden of the condition.
“While most people with a genital herpes infection experience few symptoms, the fact remains that it causes pain and distress for millions globally and places a significant strain on health systems already overwhelmed by other challenges,” said Dr. Meg Doherty, Director of Global HIV, Hepatitis, and Sexually Transmitted Infections Programmes at WHO. “Better prevention and treatment options are urgently needed to reduce herpes transmission and will also help reduce the transmission of HIV.”
The herpes simplex virus (HSV), responsible for genital herpes, has two types: HSV-1 and HSV-2. HSV-2 is more likely to cause recurrent outbreaks and poses a public health concern because it is linked to a three-fold increased risk of HIV transmission. In 2020, 520 million people had genital HSV-2 infections, primarily transmitted through sexual activity. Meanwhile, HSV-1, which typically causes oral herpes, is also increasingly leading to genital infections as a result of sexual contact. About 376 million people had genital HSV-1 infections in 2020, and 50 million of them also had HSV-2 infections.
The data also revealed a shift in patterns of transmission. Over the years, many countries have seen an increase in adult genital HSV-1 infections as childhood oral infections have declined, possibly due to improved living conditions and better hygiene practices. As a result, more adults are becoming susceptible to the virus, leading to higher rates of genital infections in later life.
Despite the widespread impact, genital herpes remains under-discussed, largely due to stigma surrounding the infection. Dr. Sami Gottlieb, Medical Officer at WHO, emphasized the need for expanded research into vaccines and therapies for herpes. “Not enough has been done to address this common infection,” said Dr. Gottlieb. “Investing in new herpes vaccines and treatments could significantly improve the quality of life for millions globally.”
There is currently no cure for herpes, but treatments are available to relieve symptoms and reduce the frequency of outbreaks. WHO advocates for the consistent use of condoms, which can reduce transmission, and urges people with active symptoms to avoid sexual contact to prevent spreading the virus. Additionally, those with genital herpes symptoms are advised to undergo HIV testing and may be eligible for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
The economic impact of genital herpes is also substantial, with the total global cost estimated at $35 billion annually, accounting for healthcare expenditures and lost productivity. As part of its Global Health Sector Strategy on HIV, viral hepatitis, and sexually transmitted infections for 2022-2030, WHO is working to increase awareness, improve access to antiviral medications, and advance research into new prevention tools like vaccines and treatments.
In light of these findings, the WHO is calling for more attention, research, and resources to address genital herpes infections and reduce their impact on global public health.
