March 09, 2010
Genital Herpes Virus Infects One in Six Americans By Tom Randall
Bloomberg
Genital herpes, a condition that produces painful sores and increases transmission of AIDS, has infected one in six Americans, according to a U.S. study that shows prevention efforts haven’t stopped outbreaks.
The survey, conducted from 2005 through 2008, found the infection rate didn’t change significantly from a previous report from 1999 to 2004. The study was released today by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta.
There’s no cure for herpes, which has two forms. Herpes simplex virus type 1 typically causes blisters near the mouth known as cold sores or fever blisters. Type 2 creates blisters near the genitals. Most infected people don’t know they have the virus and spread it to partners through sexual contact even when they’re not experiencing symptoms, according to the CDC.
“This study serves as a stark reminder that herpes remains a common and serious health threat,” said Kevin Fenton, director of the CDC’s National Center for STD Prevention. “We are particularly concerned about persistent high rates of herpes among African-Americans, which is likely contributing to disproportionate rates of HIV in the black community.”
The data were taken from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a federal report that draws from medical records and blood tests. The study examined infection rates in people ages 14 to 49.
Herpes Market
GlaxoSmithKline Plc’s Valtrex pill, approved to treat symptoms and reduce the frequency of outbreaks, had sales of $1.29 billion last year. The London-based company also makes an over-the-counter cream called Abreva, which shortens healing time and soothes infections. The amino acid lysine, available as a dietary supplement, has been found in studies to reduce symptoms and outbreaks.
Blacks had a 39 percent infection rate, more than triple the rate of whites, according to today’s study. About half of black women had herpes. Blacks have higher poverty rates and are less likely to have health insurance and access to care for the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases, the CDC said.
Sexually transmitted diseases cost about $16 billion each year to treat, Fenton said at a press conference today. People who have herpes symptoms should be tested, according to the CDC. Patients should avoid sex during an outbreak and use a condom at all times to prevent transmitting the disease.
http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-03-09/genital-herpes-virus-infects-one-in-six-americans-study-finds.html
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