Human Papilloma Virus infects skin and mucus membranes and can be. HPV is known to cause cervical cancer and genital warts in women. Many people have no symptoms, but the wart can be itchy and prone to secondary bacterial and fungal infections. HPV is spread through sexual contact, meaning risk of contracting the virus increase with a high number of sexual partners, vulnerable immune system and young age. A vaccine is available to protect you against the most common HPV strains causing cervical cancer.