1-33. HERPES SIMPLEX, TYPE 2
a. General. Herpes simplex occurs in two forms--herpes simplex virus, type 1,
and herpes simplex virus, type 2. Type 1 is the "cold sore" or "fever blister" found
usually in the mouth area. The type 2 form, often called "genital herpes," causes
infections primarily in and around the genital area. Genital herpes is the fastest-growing
sexually transmitted disease in the US.
b. Transmission. Herpes simplex, type 2, is highly contagious and can be
transmitted from a person who has the sores present to another person during sexual
intercourse. The disease can also be transmitted to babies who are delivered vaginally
when the mother has sores present.
c. Symptoms. Symptoms such as burning and itching in the genital area,
headaches, fever, and swollen glands can occur within three weeks after exposure.
These symptoms are followed one to two weeks later by sores on the infected area.
When the disease enters its dormant stage within six weeks, these sores will disappear
on their own. The signs and symptoms (burning and itching, headaches, swollen
glands, etc., followed by the sores) may reoccur at any time. Persons with genital
herpes must refrain from sexual intercourse during the time that the disease is not
dormant in order to prevent infecting sexual partners.
d. Treatment. There is no known cure for genital herpes, but medication is
available by prescription that will help the sores to heal during the infectious stage.
1-34. OTHER VENEREAL DISEASES
Three other venereal diseases that are of military importance are chancroid,
lymphogranuloma venereum, and granuloma inguinale. All three conditions are
primarily tropical diseases, but also occur in the US.
a. Chancroid. Chancroid is characterized by rapidly developing pus-filled
blisters on the genitalia occurring three to five days after exposure. When these blisters
rupture, other sores develop from the pus. These sores are painful and dirty in
appearance. They may be accompanied with painful swelling of lymph nodes in the
groin area.
b. Lymphogranuloma Venereum. Lymphogranuloma venereum begins as
sores on or around the genitalia. These sores occur from five to 21 days after
exposure. The disease, if left untreated, will spread to the lymph system. It can also
cause scar tissue to develop within the rectum and great swelling (elephantiasis) of the
external genitalia.
c. Granuloma Inguinale. Granuloma inguinale begins as a small pimple or
painless ulcer on the genitalia occurring one to 12 weeks after exposure. The disease
spreads by forming other blisters or nodules. Chronic pus-filled blisters and beefy-red
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