Professor Terver, a Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases expert, clarified that oral blisters often mistaken for malaria are actually caused by the herpes virus. These “blister fever” sores appear when the immune system is weakened, such as during malaria, but “malaria itself does not cause the blisters.” Instead, it reactivates dormant herpes in the body.

Herpes, often known as a sexually transmitted infection, can also spread through kissing, blood transfusions, contaminated medical tools, or from mother to child during pregnancy. Terver noted that most people carry the virus in a dormant state, and it becomes visible only when symptoms like oral or genital blisters appear.

“There is no permanent cure for herpes,” he said, but people can live without symptoms if they keep their immune system strong. Preventive steps include abstinence, using condoms, avoiding multiple partners, and ensuring medical tools are sterilized.

Terver warned that herpes can increase the risk of cervical and other cancers in some individuals.

Maintaining good health and practicing safe habits are key to preventing the spread and reactivation of the virus.