Herpes in numbers: How prevalent is herpes in Europe and globally?

Herpes in numbers: How prevalent is herpes in Europe and globally?

Herpes is one of the most common viral infections in the world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the majority of the world's population is infected with some form of herpes virus — either HSV-1 (herpes simplex type 1) or HSV-2 (herpes simplex type 2). But how many people are actually affected? And how do the numbers in Europe compare to the rest of the world?

 

Global spread of herpes

According to a 2020 WHO report, about 3.7 billion people under the age of 50 — or about 67% of the world's population — are infected with HSV-11. This type is primarily responsible for cold sores, but can also cause genital herpes through oral sex.

At the same time, approximately 491 million people aged 15–49 years are infected with HSV-2 worldwide1. HSV-2 is the most common cause of genital herpes and is primarily transmitted through sexual contact.

The spread in Europe

In Europe, the incidence of herpes is generally lower than in Africa and Asia, but still widespread:
• About 60–70% of adult Europeans have HSV-12.
• HSV-2 affects between 10–15% of the population aged 15–49 years, with variation between countries3.
• In Denmark, the prevalence of HSV-2 is among the lowest in Europe, but HSV-1 is extremely common — especially among young people, many of whom are infected in childhood3.
At the same time, HSV-1 as a cause of genital herpes is on the rise in Europe, particularly among young adults. This is due to changing sexual habits, especially increased oral sex4.

Age and gender play a role

Statistically, women are more likely to be infected with HSV-2 than men. The WHO estimates that women are almost twice as likely to be infected through heterosexual intercourse1. Age also plays a role — the incidence increases with the number of sexual partners and is most often seen in people over 25 years of age.

Many people don't know they are infected.

It is estimated that up to 80% of HSV-2 infected people are unaware that they carry the virus, as symptoms may be mild or mistaken for other skin problems1. This makes awareness and testing extra important.

Why is it important to know the numbers?

When we understand how common herpes is, we can better break down the stigma surrounding the disease, promote awareness and openness, and help more people seek testing and treatment. Herpes is extremely common — and it's nothing to be ashamed of.

Footnotes

1. World Health Organization (WHO). Herpes simplex virus. Fact sheet. 2020. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/herpes-simplex-virus
2. ECDC (European Center for Disease Prevention and Control). Guidance on chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis and herpes simplex virus. 2022.
3. Spicknall IH et al., “Global prevalence and incidence of HSV-2”, The Lancet Infectious Diseases, 2022.
4. Looker KJ et al., “HSV-1 genital infection is increasing among youth”, BMJ Global Health, 2017.