The herpes simplex virus 2 has spread far and wide across the world. Studies estimate that there must be over half a billion cases of herpes, with over 24 million new cases coming up every year.

The reason why the virus is spreading like such an epidemic and remains in such large numbers is due to the fact that there still have not been a definitive cure found for herpes. Hence, once a person is affected by herpes, they will have to keep it for life.

Statistics from the World Health Organization show some worrying facts about herpes and its affect throughout the globe. About sixteen percent of people between the age range of fifteen to forty nine are affected by genital herpes, which means about 536 million people are out there carrying the herpes virus. Furthermore, about 24 million more people become infected by the herpes each year.

Studies also show that women are more prone to catching the genital herpes virus than men. Statistics show that European men have the least chances of having herpes, about 13%, whereas Sub-Saharan women in Africa had the most chance, which was a shocking 70%.

However, researchers do note that many areas do not have reliable or recent details regarding herpes to base any strong facts on. Furthermore, they also realize that many people are not even aware that they carry the genital herpes virus in their body, as they might not be showing any symptoms of the infection at all.