Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)

Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Latest News

About 92 inmates of Jalpaiguri Central Correctional Home (JCCH) in West Bengal were infected with the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) between August 20, 2025, and March 9 this year, with seven of the infected inmates losing their lives.

About Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)

• Herpes simplex virus (HSV), known as herpes, is a common infection that can cause painful blisters or ulcers. 
• There are two types of HSV:
  • HSV-1: This type primarily causes oral herpes, characterized by cold sores or fever blisters that appear around your mouth or on your face.
  • HSV-2: This primarily causes genital herpes, which involves sores that appear on or around your genitals, anus, buttocks, and inner thighs.

‹ ›

Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Transmission

• HSV is highly contagious. It is spread by skin-to-skin contact with someone who carries the virus.
• Once infected, a person will have the HSV for the rest of their life.
• HSV can periodically reactivate, causing symptoms.

Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Symptoms

• Most people with herpes have no symptoms or only mild symptoms.
• Many people aren’t aware they have the infection and can pass along the virus to others without knowing.
• Others might experience occasional episodes of small, fluid-filled blisters or sores. 
• These sores and blisters are typically painful. Blisters may break open, ooze, and then crust over. 
• New infections may cause fever, body aches, and swollen lymph nodes.
• In rare cases, infection with HSV-1 or HSV-2 can lead to meningitis (inflammation of the covering of the brain and spinal cord) or encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).

Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Treatment 

• It is treatable but not curable.
• Antivirals and home remedies can help ease the severity of symptoms. Antiviral medication may also lead to fewer herpes episodes.

Source: TH