HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS (HSV)

NEWS: 92 inmates infected in Jalpaiguri Central Correctional Home, West Bengal

Virus

• Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) → Common viral infection
• Causes painful blisters or ulcers on skin and mucous membranes

Important Feature

• Lifelong infection
• Virus stays dormant in nerve cells
• Can reactivate periodically

Types

HSV-1

• Causes oral herpes
• Cold sores around mouth or lips
• Spread mainly by oral contact

HSV-2

• Causes genital herpes
• Spread through sexual contact

Transmission

• Skin-to-skin contact
• Highly contagious
• Can spread even without visible symptoms

Symptoms

• Fluid-filled blisters
• Painful sores
• Fever and swollen lymph nodes (first infection)
• Serious Complications (Rare): Meningitis, Encephalitis

Treatment

• Not curable
• Managed with antiviral drugs like Acyclovir
• Treatment reduces symptoms and outbreaks