SEATTLE, Wash-Genital herpes has been a public health concern for many years. However, with more attention and funding going to AIDS prevention, the sexually transmitted disease (STD) is often overlooked.
Herpes simplex virus 2 (HISV-2) cases have risen 30% since the 1970s. More than 20% of American teenagers and adults are infected with the virus. Yet, few of these people realize they are infectious because many never develop the genital lesions associated with the STD.
Health officials are now concerned the infection rate could pass 30% if the public is not educated about the virus. There is also more evidence that genital herpes can facilitate HIV transmission. A person with HIV and genital herpes is more infectious, even if they are asymptomatic. A person with genital herpes is also more likely to become infected with HIV if exposed.
Although there are blood tests to diagnose HSV-2, few healthcare workers agree who should be tested. High-risk pregnant women should be tested because in rare situations, the virus can be fatal to newborns. However for most adults, genital herpes is nothing more than an inconvenience.
Treatment options include suppressive therapy with daily, long-term antiviral drugs to prevent outbreaks and reduce transmission.
Information from www.hivandhepatitis.com
Beyond the Surface: Rethinking Environmental Hygiene Validation at Exchange25
June 30th 2025Environmental hygiene is about more than just shiny surfaces. At Exchange25, infection prevention experts urged the field to look deeper, rethink blame, and validate cleaning efforts across the entire care environment, not just EVS tasks.
Getting Down and Dirty With PPE: Presentations at HSPA by Jill Holdsworth and Katie Belski
June 26th 2025In the heart of the hospital, decontamination technicians tackle one of health care’s dirtiest—and most vital—jobs. At HSPA 2025, 6 packed workshops led by experts Jill Holdsworth and Katie Belski spotlighted the crucial, often-overlooked art of PPE removal. The message was clear: proper doffing saves lives, starting with your own.
Building Infection Prevention Capacity in the Middle East: A 7-Year Certification Success Story
June 17th 2025Despite rapid development, the Middle East faces a critical shortage of certified infection preventionists. A 7-year regional initiative has significantly boosted infection control capacity, increasing the number of certified professionals and elevating patient safety standards across health care settings.