Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2: An Update

Abstract

One out of five adults in the United States is infected with the herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). This is an increase of over 30% in the past two decades. 1 The majority of infections are undiagnosed and unrecognized by patients and clinicians. Our understanding of the epidemiology and transmission of genital herpes has increased substantially over the last two decades. This article will present updated information on the epidemiology, transmission, risk factors, diagnosis, clinical presentation and management of HSV-2.