DISEASE SCANNER

Global Incurable Diseases Tracker

Infectious Disease

Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)

LOW SEVERITY

A lifelong viral infection with two types: HSV-1 (primarily oral, increasingly genital) and HSV-2 (primarily genital). Virus establishes latency in sensory ganglia. Reactivates periodically causing recurrent outbreaks. Highly prevalent worldwide.

Global Affected

3.7B

Countries

Symptoms

Painful vesicular lesions

Prodromal tingling/itching

Flu-like symptoms (primary infection)

Recurrent outbreaks

Asymptomatic shedding

Treatment Options

Antibiotics

Antiviral medications

Antifungal agents

Antiparasitic drugs

Supportive care

Fluid management

Isolation precautions

Vaccination

Risk Factors

1Immunocompromised state

2Age (very young or elderly)

3Chronic diseases

4Travel to endemic areas

5Crowded living conditions

6Poor sanitation

7Animal exposure

8Healthcare exposure

Diagnostic Methods

1Culture
2PCR testing
3Serology
4Antigen detection
5Microscopy
6Imaging
7Biopsy

Prognosis

Generally good with appropriate treatment for most infections. Prognosis depends on pathogen virulence, host immune status, and timely treatment initiation.

Prevention

Vaccination
Hand hygiene
Safe food and water
Vector control
Safe sex practices
Prophylactic medications
Isolation precautions

Research Status

Antivirals (acyclovir, valacyclovir, famciclovir) suppress outbreaks and transmission. Therapeutic vaccines and gene editing (Excision Bio's EBT-104) in development. Pritelivir in trials for resistant HSV.

Affected Countries

Australia Brazil Canada China Czech Republic Germany Spain France United Kingdom India Italy Japan Nigeria United States South Africa

Sources

https://www.who.int/health-topics/infectious-diseases
https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol
https://medlineplus.gov/infectiousdiseases.html

Medical Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult healthcare professionals for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.