But, the actual number of cases may far exceed this estimate.
Learn facts about herpes.
The outbreaks tend to be self-limiting but can recur, sometimes frequently.
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The genital transmission of the virus is throughoral sex.
The symptoms are often distinguishable from those of HSV-2.
Herpes can be diagnosed with a physical exam and a swab of herpes sores.
Blood tests are also available to confirm the diagnosis.
This is otherwise referred to as maternal transmission or perinatal transmission.
Less commonly, the virus can be transmitted while the fetus is still in the uterus.
How Common Is Genital Herpes?
According to the CDC, there are roughly 18.6 million people living with HSV-2 in the United States.
In their most recent survey, the CDC estimated that 572,000 new infections occurred in a single year.
Around 1 of every 9 people in the United States between the ages of 14 and 49 has HSV-2.
The causes for this disparity are many, including poverty and limited access to health care and diagnosis.
Institutional racism andhealthcare discriminationcan often discourage people from seeking the care they need, as well.
Moreover, living in a community where STI rates are already high increases the likelihood of infection.
Risk factorsfor genital herpes include:
What Are the Mortality Rates for Genital Herpes?
The one exception is newborns, in whom a herpes infection can be catastrophic.
It is an uncommon condition that affects one of every 3,200 births in the United States.
Around 85% of all transmissions occur as the baby passes through the birth canal.
Even with aggressive treatment, 1 in 3 of these babies will die.
However, if there is concern about exposure or new symptoms, this testing may be recommended.
People should talk with a healthcare provider to determine whether blood testing is necessary.
The CDC recommends blood testing if you have symptoms of genital herpes.
Testing should also be pursued if you are pregnant and are having sex with someone with herpes.
In 2018, over 570,000 were newly infected.
The majority of people with genital herpes have no idea they have the disease.
By keeping the virus under control, you are less likely to infect others.
With that said, genital herpes due to HSV-1 is less likely to recur.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Genital herpes CDC detailed fact sheet.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Genital herpes.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Sexually transmitted infections treatment guidelines, 2021: genital herpes.
2019;14(6):e0214151.
Office on Women’s Health.Genital herpes.
Public Health Agency of Canada.Genital herpes guide: risk factors and clinical manifestations.
World Health Organization.Herpes simplex virus.
Johnson C, Wald A.62.
In:Infectious Diseases (Fourth Edition).Amsterdam: Elsevier; 2017.
