Herpes is a condition caused by a virus called the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). Explore the types, causes, symptoms and treatment options available. Herpes simplex is an infectious virus spread through skin contact or sexual transmission of HSV-1 or HSV-2, a virus that causes oral herpes or genital herpes , causing itchiness, blistering, cold sore Called also fever blisters and cold sores. genital herpes ( herpes genita´lis) herpes simplex of the genitals, a common sexually transmitted disease, usually caused by human herpesvirus 2 but occasionally by human herpesvirus 1. If it is present at term in the pregnant female, it may lead to infection of the neonate (see maternal herpes ).
