Definition of masked. 1  1 : marked by the use of masks a masked ball. 2  2 : failing to present or produce the usual symptoms : latent a masked infection a masked virus.
The herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a double-stranded DNA virus with an enveloped, icosahedral capsid. It is a common cause of infections of the skin and mucous membranes, manifesting itself as tiny, clear, fluid-filled blisters usually around the mouth or genitals.
In this article. Herpes simplex viruses -- more commonly known as herpes -- are categorized into two types: herpes type 1 (HSV-1, or oral herpes) and herpes type 2 (HSV-2, or genital herpes). Most commonly, herpes type 1 causes sores around the mouth and lips (sometimes called fever blisters or cold sores).HSV-1 can cause genital herpes, but most cases of genital herpes are caused by herpes type 2. In HSV-2, the infected person may have sores around the genitals or rectum.n general, a person can only get herpes type 2 infection during sexual contact with someone who has a genital HSV-2 infection. It is important to know that both HSV-1 and HSV-2 can be spread even if sores are not present.