Genital herpes. Close-up of a 33 year old woman's labia showing the small sores caused by the herpes simplex II virus (HSV-II). The herpes viruses are

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Genital herpes. Close-up of a 33 year old woman's labia showing the small sores caused by the herpes simplex II virus (HSV-II). The herpes viruses are amongst the most common human viral parasites. HSV-I infections are implicated in cold sores that affect the mouth. HSV-II is the cause of genital herpes. Both types are spread by direct contact and during sexual intercourse. The sores formed in the primary (initial) infection may be very painful and may be accompanied by systemic illness. The sores gradually heal but the virus remains latent in adjacent nerves; subsequent attacks tend to be less severe.

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Photo credit: © DR P. MARAZZI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
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