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herpes simplex
(hurīpēz simīpleks)
any of a group of acute viral infections caused by human herpesviruses 1 and 2, characterized by small fluid-filled vesicles on the skin or mucous membranes. The infection may be a primary one
or a reactivation of a latent infection. Type 1 herpesvirus infections usually involve nongenital regions of the body (such
as herpes labialis), whereas type 2 infections are primarily on the genitals and surrounding areas (genital herpes), although there is overlap between the two types. Precipitating factors include fever, exposure to cold temperature or ultraviolet
rays, sunburn, abrasions on the skin or mucous membranes, emotional stress, and nerve injury.
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