[An epidemiological study of herpetic viral infections in the Republic of Byelarus]

Studies on the epidemiology of infections caused by Herpes simplex virus, cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr virus in different age groups of the population of the Republic of Belarus, carried out over the period of many years, are summarized. The frequency of clinical manifestations of different forms of herpetic viral pathology in newborns, children and adults in different regions of the republic was studied. More frequent cases of the most severe clinical forms of herpetic viral infections (encephalitides, generalized infection) were noted in persons having immunodeficient states of different etiology, as well as among the population residing on the territory with unfavorable radiation conditions as a consequence of the catastrophe in the Chernobyl nuclear electric power station. For further study of the specific features of the epidemiology of herpetic obligatory registration of all cases of herpetic viral infections, starting from January 1, 1996, was introduced.