According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the HIV epidemic is not the only thing that black people have to worry about. The CDC claims that nearly half (48 percent) of all African American women between the ages of 14 and 49 are infected with genital herpes.

Black women have the highest rate of infection and their rate is nearly twice as high as men. Overall, 21 percent of all women are infected, compared with 11.5 percent of men. For the black community, 39 percent of all African Americans are infected, compared with 12 percent for whites.

There is no cure for genital herpes (herpes simplex 2), which can cause recurring sores in the genitalia and increases the likelihood of HIV transmission. It is also related to oral herpes, or herpes simplex 1. The CDC also says that a full 80 percent of those who have herpes have no idea that they’ve been infected.

The CDC estimates that there are 19 million new herpes infections every year.

You can catch oral herpes by either kissing someone or sharing a glass or utensil with the infected person. The diseases lie inside the body in a dormant state until an outbreak occurs. Outbreaks can be caused by a number of factors, including stress, fatigue or excessive alcohol consumption.

You can catch herpes simplex 2 (genital herpes) through skin-to-skin contact with the infected area, or through unprotected oral or vaginal s-x. Many times, the person is able to pass the disease even when there is no outbreak. The CDC recommends that you go to the doctor to get tested for all STDs, not just HIV and wear a condom with all partners. It also helps to have your partner tested for all STDs as well.

For those who might be skeptical of this article, it’s important that you remain fully aware that we are sharing this information as a service to women of color, warning them of the dangers that exist in the dating world. That smooth, good-looking man you slept with last night may not know his STD status, and if you have oral s-x with him without protecting your mouth (and his), you are both at risk of catching herpes.

Ask yourself this question: Have you seen documentation stating that your current or previous lovers are herpes free? Also, did you use protection when they either gave you or had you give them oral s-x? This study was not debunked, as some are falsely stating on the Internet, and it’s not a conspiracy. Getting important information like this can save your life. Don’t live your life in fear and ignorance.

You can read this article on HealthyBlackWoman.com for more details.