Infection with the herpes virus (HSV-2) is a growing health problem for millions of people worldwide, but especially in America. In fact, according to a study in the respected journal PLoS One, infection rates in the Americas are the second highest in the world. Dr.
Katharine Looker said that “More women are infected with the disease than men – in 2012, it was estimated that 267 million women and 150 million men were living with the infection. In 2012, prevalence was estimated to be highest in Africa followed by the Americas, but high rates were seen across all regions, making herpes a global public health concern.” (1) Dr. Looker is from the University of Bristol.
Dr. Lori Newman from the World Health Organization (WHO) said that “The ultimate tool to prevent herpes is the development of a vaccine, but global partners will have to commit resources to help develop an effective vaccine that can be made available to people all over the world.”