Why is genital herpes rising in England?

Genital herpes cases are climbing even as STIs fall

Cases of genital herpes are increasing in England, according to coverage highlighting a trend that runs counter to the broader pattern of declining sexually transmitted infections.

The key point is divergence: while the overall STI picture has improved, genital herpes continues to rise. That matters because herpes is chronic—once acquired, the virus remains in the body—so rising incidence can translate into more people living with recurrent symptoms over time, and it can increase demand for ongoing sexual health services.

What’s driving the change isn’t specified in the provided material, but the public-health implication is clear: prevention and testing strategies may need to be targeted differently than they have been for other STIs. Unlike infections that are more episodic, herpes can persist and reactivate, meaning individuals may not always be testing at the right times or may not be getting timely diagnosis and counseling.

For clinicians and health systems, the trend suggests: - Continuing or strengthening access to sexual health screening and sexual history taking. - Emphasizing awareness of symptoms and transmission risk, including during asymptomatic periods. - Ensuring appropriate linkage to care for treatment that can reduce outbreaks and complications, even though it doesn’t eliminate the virus.

For public health messaging, the most important takeaway is that “STIs overall are down” shouldn’t be interpreted as “risk is solved.” Genital herpes is breaking from the improving trend, so resources and prevention messaging may need to reflect that specific upward pressure.