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CDC: Herpes Infection Rates Remain High in U.S.
Reuters reports that new CDC data indicates that 16% of Americans between the ages of 14 and 49 are infected with genital herpes. 21% of women were infected with genital herpes, compared to 11.5% of men. Black women had the highest infection rate at 48%.
There is no cure for genital herpes, or herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), which can cause recurrent and painful genital sores and also increases the likelihood of acquiring and transmitting the AIDS virus. It is related to herpes simplex virus 1, or oral herpes, which causes cold sores.
Several drugs are available to treat herpes symptoms and outbreaks, including acyclovir, which is available generically or under the Zovirax brand name, and valacyclovir, known generically as Valtrex -- both made by GlaxoSmithKline PLC (GSK.L). Ganciclovir, sold as Zirgan, is made by privately-held Sirion Therapeutics, Inc.
The CDC believes over 80% of those infected with HSV-2 are not aware they are infected. You can read the CDC press release here.
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