INCIDENCE AND TREND OF HERPES PROGENITALIS - A 15-YEAR POPULATION STUDY

Abstract

A population-based epidemiologic study of herpes progenitalis was conducted in residents of Rochester, Minnesota [USA], for the 15 yr period 1965-1979. Three hundred ninety-two patients (129 males, 263 females) were identified. The average annual incidence rate of herpes progenitalis was 50/100,000 population. A continuous increase in incidence was demonstrated throughout the study period (P < 0.0005, trend test). In 1979, the incidence peaked at 128/100,000 population. The median age at onset was 24 yr, and > 80% of the patients were 18-36 yr of age. Females predominated by 1.5:1 (P < 0.001) and were, on the average, 4 yr younger than the male patients. Although 15 pregnancies in the series were affected by herpes progenitalis, no neonatal herpes was noted, nor was the number of unfavorable outcomes of pregnancy unusual. No invasive or in situ genital carcinoma developed in patients after 1544 person-yr of follow-up.