Globally, nearly 20% of individuals under 50 are affected by genital herpes, amounting to approximately 846 million people. In 2020 alone, there were 42 million new HSV cases, with over 200 million people aged 15–49 experiencing at least one symptomatic outbreak. The herpes simplex virus (HSV) includes two types: HSV-1, typically causing cold sores and increasingly transmitted sexually, and HSV-2, the primary cause of painful genital sores. Both types can be transmitted during childbirth, with severe consequences, albeit rare.
Researchers emphasized the urgent need for better therapies and vaccines to curtail HSV transmission, as current treatment options have limited effectiveness at the population level. Utilizing mathematical modeling and systematic reviews, they estimated that in 2020, 520 million individuals had an existing HSV-2 infection, while 376 million had HSV-1. The study highlights the significant burden of HSV on global health, impacting psychosocial, sexual, and reproductive well-being, as well as increasing risks related to neonatal transmission and HIV. Despite the prevalence of HSV infections, there are few specific prevention programs available, underscoring the necessity for proactive strategies focusing on prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines.
