by Anna Kirnos
 A new study has found that more than one-fourth of adult New Yorkers are infected with the Herpes Simplex Virus 2 – the virus that causes genital Herpes. The national average for Herpes in adults is 19%, New York beats that average with a whopping 26%.
The study, conducted by the city’s Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NYC HANES), which was the first of its kind in New York City, used door-to-door interviews and medical exams to assess the health of New Yorkers on a variety of measures. The findings were published in this month’s Journal of Sexually Transmitted Diseases.
The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene were concerned about the prevalence of the condition because it facilitates the spread of H.I.V. and can also be transmitted to newborns, though such cases are rare.
In New York City, it was found that more women have genital herpes than men – 36% to 19%. It was also found that more African-Americans have the disease than Caucasians. 49% to 14%. The rate was also higher in homosexual men than heterosexual men – 32% compared to 18%.
Herpes may go unnoticed for some time, however usually symptoms show up 2-20 days after contact. Symptoms of Herpes include genital ulcers or sores, swollen lymph glands, headache, muscle ache, fever, vaginal or penis discharge, infection of the urethra, and burning and itching in the infected area. About 60% of people with the Herpes Simplex Virus are unaware and show no symptoms of the disease, but are capable of sexually transmitting it to others.
“Genital Herpes alone will not cause serious problems for most people,” said Dr. Julia Schillinger, Director of Surveillance for the Health Department’s Bureau of STD Prevention and Control and lead author of the study, “but some people will have painful genital sores and the infection fosters the spread of HIV. We advise New Yorkers to protect themselves and others. Using condoms consistently will help you avoid getting or spreading genital herpes.”
Herpes is not the only STD that is above the national rate in NYC. Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and infectious Syphilis were also higher than the national rate. Genital Herpes can double a person’s risk of developing H.I.V.
The best way to know if you have genital Herpes is to get tested. “A genital herpes diagnosis can be overwhelming,” says Dr. Schillinger, “people may feel ashamed because of the stigma the infection carries. Talk to your doctor or a mental health professional about how you feel. Help is available.”
Now would be the time for New Yorkers to start taking advantage of the city’s condom campaign. The city distributes free condoms in clinics, clubs, bars, barbershops as well as many other locations. New York City also offers free testing in Health Department Clinics.
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