The World Health Organization has raised serious concern over the rising cases of genital herpes infection that reportedly affects one in five adults worldwide.

New estimates released by WHO recently indicated that there are around A846 million people aged 15–49 who are living with genital herpes —this is more than 1 in 5 people in this age group.

Each year, 42 million people get a new genital herpes infection, meaning at least 1 person per second is infected.

Symptoms and Impact

Most people with genital herpes have no symptoms or very mild ones. However, some experience painful sores or blisters on the genitals, which can come back repeatedly and cause significant discomfort. In 2020, over 200 million people suffered at least one episode of symptoms.

Genital herpes can also cause serious complications, such as neonatal herpes, a rare condition where a mother passes the virus to her baby during childbirth. This risk is higher if the mother gets the infection late in pregnancy.

Types of Herpes Virus

There are two main types of herpes viruses:

HSV-2: This is mostly spread through sexual activity and is more likely to cause recurrent outbreaks. It accounts for 90% of symptomatic cases and increases the risk of HIV infection by three times. In 2020, 520 million people had HSV-2.
HSV-1: This virus usually spreads in childhood through saliva or skin contact, causing oral herpes with symptoms like cold sores. However, it can also cause genital herpes through sexual contact in teenagers or adults. In 2020, 376 million people had genital HSV-1.


People can be infected with both types at the same time. About 50 million people globally have both HSV-1 and HSV-2.

Changing Trends

While HSV-2 infections have stayed the same since 2016, genital HSV-1 infections have increased. This is partly because fewer children get oral herpes due to improved hygiene and living conditions, making them more vulnerable to HSV-1 later in life.

Urgent Need for Solutions

Experts stress the need for better treatments and vaccines to control herpes and reduce its health impacts. Stigma around genital herpes prevents open discussion and action, even though millions of people are affected worldwide.

Prevention and Treatment

There is no cure for herpes, but medications can relieve symptoms.
Condoms, when used correctly, reduce the risk of spreading herpes.
People with symptoms should avoid sexual contact while sores are present, as herpes is most contagious at this time.
WHO recommends HIV testing for people with genital herpes and offers preventive measures for HIV if needed.
Global Efforts

The World Health Organization (WHO) is working to:

Raise awareness about herpes.
Improve access to antiviral medications.
Promote HIV prevention for people with herpes.
Support research for new treatments, vaccines, and prevention tools.
Economic Impact

Genital herpes also has a major economic cost, with an estimated $35 billion lost annually worldwide due to healthcare expenses and reduced productivity.