We explored statistics on HSV-2 herpes in the United States, highlighting information about the number of affected individuals, distribution by gender, symptoms and outbreaks, transmission rates, and statistics in specific populations.
- Number of individuals infected with HSV-2 genital herpes in the United States.
- Men vs. Women with genital herpes in the United States
- Symptoms and outbreaks among men and women in the United States
- Transmission rates of HSV-2 in the United States
- Statistics on Herpes in Specific Populations in the United States
- Summary
- References:
Number of individuals infected with HSV-2 genital herpes in the United States.
According to a study published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2020, it is estimated that approximately 16% of the adult population in the United States has genital herpes. This represents about 47.8 million individuals affected by the disease in the country.
This estimate is based on data analyses from various epidemiological studies conducted in different regions of the United States.
Men vs. Women with genital herpes in the United States
The distribution of genital herpes by gender shows some significant differences. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) in 2018, the prevalence of the disease is slightly higher among women.
Approximately 20% of women in the United States are affected by HSV-2, while about 16% of men are affected. These numbers indicate that women have a slightly higher risk of contracting genital herpes compared to men.
Read Also: Women Are More Likely To Contract Herpes. Why?
Symptoms and outbreaks among men and women in the United States
The symptoms and outbreaks of genital herpes can vary from person to person. However, studies have shown some differences between men and women. According to research published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases in 2017, approximately 90% of women with genital herpes report episodes of recurrent outbreaks.
On the other hand, about 80% of affected men also report recurrent outbreaks. These numbers indicate that women tend to have a higher frequency of outbreaks compared to men.
Transmission rates of HSV-2 in the United States
According to a study published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases in 2014, the annual transmission rate of HSV-2 among couples in stable relationships, where one partner is a carrier of the virus, ranges from 5% to 10%. This means that, on average, 5% to 10% of sexually exposed partners to a person with genital herpes will acquire the infection within a year.
These numbers indicate that HSV-2 transmission can occur even when precautions such as condom use are taken.
Statistics on Herpes in Specific Populations in the United States
Statistics on HSV-2 herpes in the United States also provide information on its distribution in specific populations, such as race and age.
Herpes Statistics by Race
Regarding race, studies show that the prevalence of genital herpes is higher among African Americans and Hispanic Americans. A study published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases in 2016 revealed that the infection rate of HSV-2 among African Americans was approximately 39%, while among Hispanic Americans it was around 22%.
In comparison, the infection rate among whites was approximately 12%. These statistics highlight the importance of considering demographic factors when analyzing the spread of the disease and developing effective prevention strategies.
Herpes Statistics by Age
Regarding age, studies show that the prevalence of genital herpes increases with advancing age. A research published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases in 2019 revealed that the prevalence of HSV-2 among young adults (ages 20 to 29) in the United States was approximately 15%.
However, among adults aged 40 to 49, the prevalence increased to about 25%. These numbers indicate that the risk of contracting genital herpes increases with age.
Summary
Recent studies reveal that approximately 16% of the adult population, or around 47.8 million people, are affected by the disease. Women have a slightly higher infection rate than men and also experience more recurrent outbreaks.
The annual transmission rate among stable couples ranges from 5% to 10%. Additionally, there are racial disparities, with higher infection rates among African Americans and Hispanic Americans. The prevalence of genital herpes also increases with age.
Awareness, prevention, and access to proper testing and treatment are essential to control the spread of the disease and promote the sexual health of the population.
References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – The CDC is a public health agency in the United States that provides reliable data and statistics on diseases, including genital herpes. The study on the prevalence of genital herpes in the United States was based on CDC data.
Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) – JAMA is a peer-reviewed medical scientific journal that publishes research and studies on various areas of medicine. The study on the distribution of genital herpes between men and women was published in this journal.
Journal of Infectious Diseases – The Journal of Infectious Diseases is a scientific journal that publishes research on infectious diseases. The studies on HSV-2 transmission rates, statistics in specific populations, and prevalence of genital herpes based on age were published in this journal.
