Herpes simplex virus type 2 in the United States, 1976 to 1994

The number of people infected with herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) has increased substantially since the late 1970's. Questionnaires were completed and blood samples were analyzed from 40,000 people aged 12 years and older during 1988 to 1994 and compared with data collected on 28,000 similar subjects during 1976 to 1980. The percentage of HSV-2-infected individuals rose by 30% between these two time periods. Individuals most likely to be infected were women, Mexican-Americans, blacks, and those who were poor, uneducated, sexually active with multiple partners, older, or who used cocaine.