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1st appeared 2 November 1998 Genital Herpes -- A Growing American Epidemic It is estimated that between 20 and 25 percent of Americans are infected with the virus that causes genital herpes. And, because the public is ill-informed about how the virus is transmitted, the country is seeing new infections at epidemic rates. "There is a general lack of understanding about the natural history of genital herpes and an individual's risks of acquiring infection," said Karl R. Beutner, associate clinical professor in the Department of Dermatology and Pathology at UCSF, at an American Academy of Dermatology conference on October 28. Part of the problem is that only one in four of those infected show any symptoms. And, many people do not realize that even if they are not showing any symptoms, they may be experiencing unrecognized outbreaks -- when they can transmit the virus to sexual partners. In order to hasten the tide of new infections, Beutner advises those who know they are infected to disclose this to their sexual partners and suggests using antiviral medicines for prevention and treatment. Links: Full press release (American Academy of Dermatology) |
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