Archive · 30 Jul 2026
WHO: 3.8 Billion People Infected with Herpes
The World Health Organization says that a huge number of people around the world have a virus called herpes.
About 3.8 billion people under 50 years old have the type that usually causes cold sores.
Another 520 million people aged 15 to 49 have the type that can cause genital herpes.
Most people don’t know they have it because it can be hidden.
The WHO wants people to know how common it is and to stop the myths and stigma that make it hard to talk about.
Knowing the facts can help people get help and protect others.
The report shows that 64 percent of the world’s population has the cold sore type of herpes.
It also says that many people have the genital type.
The goal is to make people more aware and less ashamed.
WHO estimates 3.8 billion people under 50 have HSV‑1.
An additional 520 million people aged 15‑49 are infected with HSV‑2.
HSV‑1 is the main cause of cold sores; HSV‑2 causes genital herpes.
Most infected individuals are unaware of their status.
The report highlights myths, stigma, and misinformation about herpes.
- Who
- World Health Organization
- What
- Estimated 3.8 billion people under 50 years and 520 million people aged 15-49 are infected with herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2
- Where
- Worldwide
- Why
- To raise awareness of the prevalence of herpes and the myths, stigma, and misinformation surrounding it
- Estimated HSV-1 infected population
- 3.8 billion
- Estimated HSV-2 infected population
- 520 million
- Age group for HSV-1 estimate
- under 50 years
- Age group for HSV-2 estimate
- 15 to 49 years
- Percentage of global population with HSV-1
- 64%