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Cause:
Herpes simplex virus serotypes HSV-1 and HSV-2.
Illness and treatment:
Genital infection is lifelong, ranging from no symptoms to
recurring episodes of painful genital ulcers. Antiviral
medications partially control the frequency and severity of
the episodes but are not a cure. Neonatal infection may be
severe, involving the liver or brain, or mild, involving the
skin, eyes, and mouth.
Sources:
Herpes infection is sexually
transmitted or acquired at birth.
Additional risks:
Oral herpes (cold sores) can transmit to the genital area.
Prevention:
Use safe sexual practices to reduce transmission.
Recent Washington trends:
Each year there are over 2,000 reports.
2008:
2,009 cases of initial
genital HSV infection (30.5 cases/100,000 population) and 9
cases of neonatal infection were reported.
Purpose of Reporting and
Surveillance
- To assess trends in epidemic patterns, understand the
impact of the burden of disease on populations, the health
care infrastructure, and to better target population-level
disease prevention efforts.
Legal Reporting Requirements
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Health care
providers: initial genital and all neonatal infections
are notifiable to local health jurisdiction within 3
work days (WAC 246-101-101)
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Hospitals: no
requirements for reporting
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Laboratories:
no requirements for reporting
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Local health
jurisdictions: notify the Washington State Department of
Health (DOH), STD Services Section within 7 days of case
investigation completion; summary information required
within 21 days for all reported cases
Last
guideline update
November 2009 |
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