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Date: Wednesday, Oct. 15, 1997
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: CDC, National Center for HIV, STD and TB Prevention Office of Communication (404)639-8895


CDC Reports 30% Increase in Herpes: One in Five Americans Infected

        One in five Americans has herpes infection, and the number of people living with this incurable sexually transmitted disease (prevalence) has increased 30% since the late 1970s, according to the results of a national survey released today by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).   
        The findings are reported in the October 16, 1997, New England Journal of Medicine.  The report, "The evolving epidemiology of herpes simplex virus type 2 in the United States, 1976 to 1994," documents that nearly 22% of the population overall (45 million Americans) and almost 45% of African-Americans are infected with herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2).
        Since the last national survey of HSV-2 prevalence (conducted between 1976 and 1980), prevalence has increased most dramatically among young white teens.  HSV-2 prevalence among 12- to 19- year-old whites is now five times higher than it was in the late 1970s.  And young people aged 20-29 are now twice as likely to have HSV-2.
        "Herpes is perhaps the most common sexually transmitted disease in America today. It continues to spread across all economic and social boundaries and is spreading fastest among teens," said Helene Gayle, M.D., M.P.H., director of CDC's National Center for HIV, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHSTP).
        In addition to ongoing sexually transmitted disease prevention activities, CDC is now working in consultation with other public health experts to develop a national plan which will specifically address the prevention of  herpes.  The plan will address development of comprehensive national prevention guidelines, outline enhanced monitoring of levels of herpes in the U.S., and propose new educational activities for health care professionals and the general public.
        HSV-2 is usually transmitted sexually and causes recurrent painful ulcers in many adults and potentially fatal infections in infants.  Herpes can also be severe in people with suppressed immune systems.
        Symptoms of  herpes can be treated, but the disease cannot be cured.  With or without visible symptoms, the disease can be transmitted between sex partners, from mothers to newborn babies, and it can greatly increase a person's risk of becoming infected with HIV.
        "We believe herpes plays a major role in the heterosexual spread of HIV in this country.  Herpes can make people more susceptible to HIV infection and make HIV-infected individuals more infectious," said Judith Wasserheit, M.D., M.P.H., director of the Division of STD Prevention, NCHSTP.  "Preventing herpes can help us stop both epidemics."
        The study also found that HSV-2 is more common among women (approximately one out of four women) than men (almost one out of five).  This may be related to the higher efficiency of transmission from men to women and to higher prevalence of infection in sexual partners.
        Herpes is believed to be most infectious when sores and blisters are present, but can be transmitted even when there are no symptoms.  If you or your sexual partner has herpes, it is best to abstain from sex when these symptoms are present.  Between outbreaks or with a partner whose herpes status is unknown, the consistent and correct use of latex condoms is the best protection.  Because condoms do not cover all areas where herpes blisters could be present, people should also avoid any direct contact with herpes sores and blisters.  For people with frequent or severe outbreaks of herpes, antiviral medications may help to relieve or suppress outbreaks. 
        For  additional information on Herpes and other STDs, call the National Herpes Hotline (919) 361-8488  or  the STD Hotline  (800) 227-8922.   

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