A sexually transmitted disease caused by the herpes simplex vims.
An infection of the genitals of either sex, caused by herpes simplex virus type 2. It is mostly acquired as a result of sexual activity; some cases are caused by simplex type 1. After initial infection the virus lies latent in the dorsal nerve root ganglion (of the spinal cord) which enervates the affected area of the skin. Latent virus is never cured and reactivation results in either a recurrence of symptoms or in asymptomatic shedding of the virus which then infects a sexual partner. Around 26,000 first attacks of genital herpes are reported annually from clinics dealing with sexually transmitted diseases in the UK (a 50 per cent rise on 20 years ago), but there are also many unrecognized (by either patient or doctor) infections. Patients may have a history of painful attacks of ulceration of the genitals for many years before seeking medical advice. All patients with a first episode of the infection should be given oral antiviral treatment, and those who suffer more than six attacks a year should be considered for suppressive antiviral treatment. Aciclovir, valaciclovir and famciclovir are all effective antiviral drugs. If a woman in the final three months of her pregnancy contracts herpes genitalis, this can have serious consequences for the baby, who will be at risk of herpes encephalitis after delivery.