{"id":6800,"date":"2021-12-10T06:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-12-10T06:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/?p=6800"},"modified":"2021-12-08T17:38:48","modified_gmt":"2021-12-08T17:38:48","slug":"mothers-deaths-instigate-further-research-on-herpes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/mothers-deaths-instigate-further-research-on-herpes\/","title":{"rendered":"Two mothers\u2019 deaths in the UK instigates further research on Herpes"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Herpes simplex virus is a common infection with as many as 7 in 10 people in the UK population having HSV-1 and approximately 1 in 10 people having HSV-2, according to Nuffield Health.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

A World Health Organization report published on 1 May 2020 states that an estimated 3.7 billion people under age 50 (67%) have HSV-1 infection globally. \u00a0An estimated 491 million people aged 15-49 (13%) worldwide have HSV-2 infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are Herpes virus type 1 (HSV-1) and Herpes virus type 2 (HSV-2)? <\/strong><\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Herpes<\/a> is a common and highly infectious disease that is caused by two closely related viruses: Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). \u00a0HSV-1 infections, or oral Herpes, are more common than HSV-2 and result in the formation of fever blisters or cold sores, especially around the mouth and lips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

HSV-2 infections, or genital Herpes, result in the formation of sores, usually around the genitals or rectum.  There is no cure to eliminate the virus from the body. However, there are many treatments which are effective at reducing both the severity and frequency of any outbreaks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The two mothers who died from HSV-1 infection after giving birth<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Recent UK media reports about the untimely death of two mothers have cast the spotlight on Herpes. In May and July 2018, Kimberley Sampson and Samantha Mulcahey both died of a Herpes simplex type 1 infection. Fatalities caused by HSV-1 infection are rare in healthy individuals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The same two clinicians, a midwife and surgeon, had taken part in the deliveries which were both by Caesarean section. East Kent Hospitals Trust says it could not identify the source of the infection, and the surgeon had no history of the virus. \u00a0Both women had a primary infection which means that this was the first time they had been infected by herpes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Research and investigation into these fatalities<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Peter Greenhouse, who has worked as a sexual health consultant for over 30 years in the UK, is now conducting further research into the deaths with the hope that new mothers with unexplained sepsis-like symptoms will be tested for Herpes as a matter of course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The families of both women, who were told there were no connections between the deaths, are calling for inquests to be opened according to the BBC.  The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists announced on 23 November 2021 that \u201cthe deaths of two new mothers from Herpes should be fully investigated\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mr. Greenhouse said to the BBC, \u201cI hope that the research will eventually change the guidelines, so more people will benefit from earlier diagnosis. It is the only constructive outcome that one could hope for, after such a tragic scenario\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is important to note that if Herpes is left untreated, there is an increased risk of getting other sexually transmitted infections including HIV.  Early detection and diagnosis of Herpes and all STIs is crucial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How can Herpes be tested or checked?<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"STI<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Better2Know has three ways of testing for the Herpes virus:<\/p>\n\n\n\n