Herpes Sfssqdex Vfnss Infections. Part 1. How Widespread They Are, and Who H Most Threatened

During 1981, 500,000 Americans are expected to suffer the symptoms of herpesvirus infections for the first time. I At fnt, they usually feel a tingling or burning sensation on their sktn. In a few hours or days, the skin surface wiU break into a measles-like rash near the sensitive area. A short time later, one or more blister-like sores will erupt. The sores are excruciatingly painful, lasting for up to two to three weeks, In addition, the individual may suffer swollen lymph glands, fever, muscle aches, and general discomfort. During the second week, the sores develop scabs and begin to heal, while the other symptoms also subside.z Unfortunately, herpes is a disease that can flare up again. About one third of the people infected by herpes suffer recurrences of these symptoms.z What’s more, there is presently no cure for herpes, and few treatments effectively reduce the pain or duration of herpes attacks. Although herpes has been around for more than 2,000 years,z,s only recently has it attracted the attention of medical researchers. An important reason for this renewed interest in herpes is the dramatic increase in the number of people infected by the disease. Fred Rapp, Hershey Medical Center, Pennsylvania State University, says herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV2), also called genital herpes, “represents the major venereal June Lz, 1701