|
Description
of the Disease
Genital Herpes is a
common sexually transmitted infection caused by herpes
simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). In the United
States, 45 million people, or
1 out of 5 teens and adults, test positive for the virus,
although most of them are not aware of their infection.
|
Related Health
Department Web Links
Related
Outside Websites
Washington
State Department of Health Websites
Center
for Disease Control Website Links
|
|
What
services are provided by Health Department professionals for Cowlitz County?
-
Distribution of
condoms.
-
Consultation with
Public Health Nurses regarding the symptoms, treatment and prevention of
genital herpes.
-
Monitoring and
reporting levels of genital herpes and other STI's in Cowlitz County.
-
Referrals to
private health care providers for treatment.
|
|
Transmission
Genital herpes
is transmitted primarily through sexual contact with open
blisters. Most genital herpes is caused by HSV-2.
An
individual contracts this disease during sex with someone with a genital HSV-2
infection. HSV-1 can cause genital herpes, but this usually causes fever blisters on
the mouth and lips.
|
Populations
At Risk
Any sexually active
person can be infected with genital herpes.
|
|
Symptoms
When symptoms occur,
one or more painful blisters appear on or around the genitals or rectum.
The blisters break, leaving tender sores that will heal in 7-10
days. Signs of infection may include fever, swollen lymph glands, more sores and
other flu-like symptoms. Further outbreaks are almost always less
severe and shorter in duration than the initial one.
|
Potential
Complications
Due to contact with open
sores, genital herpes can make
people more susceptible to HIV infection or other sexually
transmitted diseases. Infections can be passed on from
infected mothers to newborn infants through vaginal birth.
Herpes
is more severe in patients with suppressed immune systems. The infection may
also cause psychological distress and depression.
|
|
Prevention
The
surest way to
avoid genital herpes is to abstain
from sexual contact, or to be in a long-term mutually monogamous
relationship with a partner who has been tested and is known
to be uninfected. Use of latex condoms can reduce the risk of
genital herpes only when the infected area is protected.
|
Diagnosis
& Treatment
Herpes is diagnosed
by visual inspection, or by laboratory testing of material from an
unbroken blister. Herpes has no
cure. However, there
are antiviral medications that can be prescribed by a physician
which can lessen the severity of the infection and prevent outbreaks of
sores.
|
