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Genital Herpes Cases Rise in England
2 Jun
Summary
- Genital herpes diagnoses increased by 3% in England during 2025.
- Overall STI diagnoses in England saw an 8% decrease in the same period.
- Health experts stress the ongoing importance of STI testing.
New statistics from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) indicate an increase in genital herpes diagnoses across England. In 2025, approximately 29,000 individuals were diagnosed with the condition, marking a 3% rise from the previous year. This increase contrasts with a broader trend of declining sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in England.
Overall STI diagnoses fell by 8% between 2024 and 2025, with notable reductions observed in infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and syphilis. Despite this overall decrease, health experts are using the rise in herpes cases to underscore that STIs are prevalent. They stress that easy transmission through skin-to-skin contact makes herpes a widespread concern, reinforcing the vital importance of regular STI testing for prevention and early detection.
