Primary Herpes Labialis Acquired during Scuba Diving Course
1Infectious Diseases Unit, Bnai Zion Medical Center, and the Technion School of Medicine, Haifa, Israel.
Journal of Travel Medicine
|November 17, 1998
Abstract:
Primary herpes infections usually require intimate contact of mucous membranes by either oral or sexual means.1,2 Infrequently, other types of contact have been described.3-5 Such was the case with an outbreak of herpes gladiatorum at a high-school wrestling camp, or a dental student who became infected from a patient.3,4 Reports charging fomites as vehicles of transmission of this virus seem anecdotal.6-8 Is it really that rare? We wish to present a hitherto unreported mode-of-transmission of primary herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection.
Insights
Primary herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection transmission is typically through direct contact. This study reports a previously undocumented transmission route, challenging the rarity of fomite-mediated spread.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Dermatology
Background:
- Primary herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections commonly result from direct mucous membrane contact (oral, sexual).
- Less frequent transmission routes, such as through sports contact (herpes gladiatorum) or dental settings, have been documented.
- Anecdotal reports suggest fomites may act as vehicles for HSV transmission, but this is often considered rare.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and report a novel, previously undocumented mode of primary herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection transmission.
- To challenge the perceived rarity of fomite-mediated transmission of HSV.
Main Methods:
- This study presents a case report of a hitherto unreported mode-of-transmission of primary HSV infection.
- Detailed investigation of the specific circumstances surrounding the infection acquisition.
Main Results:
- A novel transmission route for primary herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection has been identified.
- The findings suggest that fomite-mediated transmission of HSV may be more common than previously believed.
Conclusions:
- The study highlights a new pathway for primary HSV infection.
- This research indicates that the role of fomites in HSV transmission warrants further investigation and may be underestimated.
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