Incurable STDs
Four sexually transmitted viral infections are still incurable today: Hepatitis B, genital herpes, Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), and the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) which causes AIDS.
However, even in the absence of a cure, medical science has developed some helpful strategies: There is a vaccination against Hepatitis B, the symptoms of genital herpes and HPV can be effectively treated, and AIDS patients now live longer thanks to various ever-improving medications.
Nevertheless, on the whole, the picture is bleak: Genital herpes, HPV and HIV infections have become epidemics and are spreading fast, especially among young people. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated a few years ago that, world-wide, 20 million new cases of genital herpes and 30 million cases of HPV occur every year. There are about 5 million new HIV infections every year, and HIV/AIDS is now devastating whole populations, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, but increasingly also in South and Southeast Asia and Eastern Europe.
[IMG]
Estimated Prevalence of Leading Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) in the USA in millions
Source: UNAIDS/WHO, USA: Epidemiological Fact Sheets on HIV/AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infection 2002 Update. CDC Web site. Tracking the hidden epidemics: Trends in STDs in the United States 2000.
Four sexually transmitted viral infections are still incurable today: Hepatitis B, genital herpes, Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), and the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) which causes AIDS.
However, even in the absence of a cure, medical science has developed some helpful strategies: There is a vaccination against Hepatitis B, the symptoms of genital herpes and HPV can be effectively treated, and AIDS patients now live longer thanks to various ever-improving medications.
Nevertheless, on the whole, the picture is bleak: Genital herpes, HPV and HIV infections have become epidemics and are spreading fast, especially among young people. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated a few years ago that, world-wide, 20 million new cases of genital herpes and 30 million cases of HPV occur every year. There are about 5 million new HIV infections every year, and HIV/AIDS is now devastating whole populations, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, but increasingly also in South and Southeast Asia and Eastern Europe.
[IMG]
Estimated Prevalence of Leading Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) in the USA in millions
Source: UNAIDS/WHO, USA: Epidemiological Fact Sheets on HIV/AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infection 2002 Update. CDC Web site. Tracking the hidden epidemics: Trends in STDs in the United States 2000.