Ambulance 912HAP 9252
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General health information

Genital herpes

Genital herpes is a common infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. The first outbreak may be painful, with blisters, sores or burning, but many people have mild symptoms or none at all. You can pass on the virus without visible blisters too. Herpes needs extra attention during pregnancy because a newborn baby can become seriously unwell.

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  • Genital herpes is a viral infection that can cause blisters, sores and burning around the genitals or anus. The first outbreak is often the most severe, but not everyone notices much.
  • The virus remains in the body after infection. Outbreaks can therefore return, although for many people they become shorter and milder later.
  • Transmission is possible without visible blisters too. This is called asymptomatic transmission and is an important reason why herpes can spread unnoticed.
  • Extra attention is needed during pregnancy, especially for a first infection late in pregnancy or symptoms around childbirth.
  • In Curaçao, contact your GP (family doctor) during the day, HAP 9252, the out-of-hours GP service, outside normal opening hours for urgent symptoms, and Ambulance 912 only in an immediate life-threatening emergency.

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Further reading

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A
A child with mouth blisters caused by herpesA first herpes infection can cause painful blisters and ulcers in a child's mouth. Children often drink poorly, drool more and may have a fever. Dehydration is the main immediate risk. Avoid contact with the eyes. Herpes needs particular attention in young babies and children with reduced immunity. Call a doctor for poor drinking, little urine, unusual drowsiness, eye symptoms or possible exposure in a young baby.
G
GonorrhoeaGonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It can affect the urethra, vagina or cervix, anus, throat and sometimes the eyes. Many people have no symptoms but can still pass on the bacteria. Get tested at the relevant sites, have sexual partners seek advice and use only treatment prescribed by a doctor, because resistance is a worldwide problem.
C
Cold soresA cold sore is usually an infection with herpes simplex virus type 1. It often starts with tingling, burning or itching on the lip, followed by blisters and crusts. The virus then stays in the body and may reactivate because of stress, sunlight, illness or tiredness. A cold sore is infectious, particularly when blisters or wet sores are present. Take extra care around the eyes, newborns and people with a weakened immune system. Cold sores are very common and nothing to be ashamed of.