In the first global estimate of the prevalence and incidence of this incurable disease by herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection, researchers found that 536 million people aged 15-49 are infected with it, which makes it 16 percent of people in that age range.
Every year, 23.6 million people aged 15-49 become infected with the HSV-2. The report, published in the October edition of WHO Bulletin, is based on studies from around the world published in 2003.
Western European men had the lowest prevalence rate of 13 percent while in some areas of sub- Saharan Africa, prevalence among women is as high as 70 percent. The estimates only focus on HSV-2 among people aged 15-49.
Though genital herpes can also be caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), but HSV-1 typically infects the mouth and HSV-2 typically infects the genitals. The ulcer-causing disease, which increases the risk of HIV, can kill the babies of newly infected mothers, and causes distress and anxiety among sufferers. HSV-2 is usually spread through sex; it can also pass from mother to child during birth.
