A Herpes Search Portal. Herpes refers to a sexually transmitted, double-stranded DNA virus, called herpes simplex virus type 2. This virus is closely related to herpes simplex virus type 1, which is the cause of common nonsexually transmitted cold sores. These two viruses are among the eight members of the herpes virus family to infect humans, resulting in illnesses such as cold sores,encephalitis and chickenpox and various cancers.
