Microorganism responsible: Herpes simplex (HSV) type 1 and 2 (the most common).
Means of transmission: genital, anal, oral. Likelihood of transmission: transmission from male to female is more likely than the other way round. HSV-1 and HSV-2 can be found in the ulcers caused by the virus and be liberated by same, but between outbreaks the virus may also be liberated through skin that does not appear to be affected or does not evidence any ulcers. Generally, one can only be infected with HSV-2 during sexual contact with someone who has an HSV-2 genital infection. Transmission can take place when the infected person does not have any visible ulcers and doesn’t know he or she is infected. Herpes may contribute to the spread of HIV, the virus which causes AIDS. Herpes may make people more susceptible to HIV infection and can make those infected with HIV even more infectious.
Incubation period: 2 weeks.
Symptoms: lesions in the shape of blisters or actual blisters on the genitals and the rectum or around same. The blisters pop and leave painful ulcers which can take two to four weeks to heal the first time they appear. Typically, another outbreak may occur weeks or months after the first one, but almost always less intense and of shorter duration. Despite the fact that the infection may remain indefinitely within the organism, the number of outbreaks tend to reduce over time. There may be systemic symptoms such as fever, discomfort, generalised pain (myalgia), loss of appetite. However, on the majority of occasions there are no clinical symptoms.
Prevention: sexual abstinence. Monogamous practice with uninfected person. Use of condom during the entire sexual activity with anyone who may be infected. However, due to the fact that it is possible that the condom may not cover all of the affected areas, not even the correct and regular use of latex condoms guarantees protection against genital herpes.
Diagnosis: Physical examination. Laboratory study of samples from the ulcers. Blood serology.
Treatment: The person affected, and any others with whom sexual relations may have been maintained, should be treated. There is no treatment to cure herpes, but antiviral medications can shorten and prevent outbreaks during the time the person takes the medication. Additionally, daily suppressive therapy against symptomatic herpes may reduce the likelihood of transmission to the sexual partners of those infected.