Professor Terver, a Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases expert, has clarified that oral blisters often mistaken for malaria symptoms are actually caused by the herpes virus. He explained that these blisters, commonly referred to as “blister fever,” appear when the immune system is weakened, such as during a malaria infection. However, malaria itself does not cause the blisters; instead, it triggers the reactivation of dormant herpes in the body.

Terver noted that herpes, typically known as a sexually transmitted infection, can also be transmitted through kissing, blood transfusion, or contaminated medical tools. It can even be passed from an infected pregnant mother to her child. While most people carry the virus in a dormant state, it only becomes active and detectable when symptoms like oral or genital blisters appear.

The professor stressed that there is no permanent cure for herpes, but individuals can live symptom-free if they maintain a strong immune system. Preventive measures include abstinence, using protection during sex, avoiding multiple partners, and ensuring medical equipment is properly sterilized. He also warned that herpes could increase the risk of cervical and other cancers in some individuals.

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