U.S. Rates of HSV-1 and HSV-2 Infection Are Falling, Especially Among Whites

Lower prevalence of HSV-1 infection in teens may explain their higher incidence of genital HSV-1 acquisition; racial disparities in HSV-2 infection remain high.

Infection with herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2) is lifelong and can have serious consequences. Now, the CDC has reported the most recent data for nationwide prevalence of HSV-1 and HSV-2 (obtained in the 2005-2010 cycle of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey). Overall, 54% of persons aged 14 to 49 had HSV-1 infection, and 16% had HSV-2 infection. Prevalence of HSV-1 infection declined steadily from 60% when first measured between 1979 and1980. The most pronounced decline was among 14- to 19-year-olds, in whom prevalence fell from 39% to 30% (P<0.01) between 1999–2004 and 2005–2010.

HSV-2 prevalence has also dropped (from 21% between 1988 and 1994 to 16% between 2007 and 2010). However, racial disparities …

Reviewing Author

Anna Wald, MD, MPH

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardAicuris; Bayer; GSK; Innovative Molecules; Merck; MAPP Biopharmaceutical (Safety Monitoring Committee)

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Grant/Research SupportNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; GSK; Moderna; Assembly Biomedical; Aicuris

Editorial BoardsSexually Transmitted Diseases; Sexually Transmitted Infections; Journal of Infectious Diseases

Leadership PositionsID Division Chiefs Community of Practice (At-Large Member)