The World Health Organization’s first-ever global assessment of the herpes virus that causes cold sores, the World Health Organization reports that a whopping two in three people under the age of 50 are infected with the incurable virus – 3.7 billion people worldwide.It’s report in the journal PLoS ONE gives an account of the problem.

A previous WHO study had focused on the HSV-1 virus that is transmitted by oral-oral contact and causes cold sores. Improved hygiene in wealthier countries is reducing the number of infections in childhood, but more are being pushed into young adulthood and are transmitted via oral sex.

A WHO medical officer states that the development of vaccines against herpes simplex virus need to be accelerated.