Herpes in America

One in six Americans infected with genital herpes.
The New York Times (3/15, D6, Rabin) reported that the latest CDC figures indicate that "one in six Americans aged 14 to 49 are infected with genital herpes, making the virus -- herpes simplex 2 -- one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in the United States." Data also revealed that women were being infected "at almost twice the rate of men," and black Americans were "three times as likely to be infected as" their white counterparts, with black women accounting for the "highest rate of infection." There has not been an increase in the rate of infection, but "health officials are concerned, because individuals infected with genital herpes are at greater risk for" HIV infection "and for transmitting it to others."