Genital herpes rising in England, despite overall drop in STIs
New data from the UK Health Security Agency shows a 3% increase in genital herpes diagnoses in England for 2025, even as other STIs saw an overall decline. Health officials emphasize the importance of regular testing and safe sex practices to combat the spread of the virus.
Why it matters
The rise in specific viral infections despite a general downward trend in STIs highlights shifting public health challenges and the ongoing need for targeted sexual health awareness.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google Michelle Roberts Digital health editor Getty Images New cases of genital herpes are increasing in England, bucking an overall fall in sexually transmitted infections (STIs), the latest data shows.
The article reports on government health data objectively without political framing or emotive language.
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