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Genital Herpes Internet URL http://www.niaid.nih.gov/factsheets/stdherp.htm Sponsoring Agency National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health Description Genital herpes is usually spread through sexual contact with someone who has herpes sores in the genital area, but it can also be transmitted by a person who is infected but has no noticeable symptoms or visible sores. The infection is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). HSV Type 1 most commonly causes fever blisters and cold sores on the lips, but it can cause genital infections also. HSV Type 2 most often causes genital sores, but it can also infect the mouth. This booklet describes symptoms, chronic recurrences, diagnosis, treatment, complications, and prevention of genital herpes. Includes statistics. 6 printed pages. Related Topics Herpes Sexually Transmitted Diseases Review Date 8/2/2004

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