Epstein-Barr virus, frequently referred to as EBV, is a member of the herpes virus family and one of the most common human viruses. When infection with EBV occurs during adolescence or young adulthood, it causes infectious mononucleosis 35% to 50% of the time.
Symptoms of infectious mononucleosis are:
Fever
Sore throat
Swollen lymph glands
swollen spleen or liver involvement
Although heart problems or involvement of the central nervous system occurs rarely, infectious mononucleosis is almost never fatal. The symptoms of mono usually resolve within 2 months but the EBV can remain dormant in a few cells in the throat or blood for the rest of the person's life.
Transmission of EBV requires intimate contact with the saliva of an infected person. Transmission of this virus through the air or blood is rare. The incubation period or the time from infection to appearance of symptoms, ranges from 4 to 6 weeks. Persons with mono may be able to spread the infection to others for many weeks. Avoiding close personal contact is recommended.
The clinical diagnosis of infectious mononucleosis is suggested on the basis of the symptoms of fever, sore throat, swollen lymph glands, and the age of the patient. Usually, laboratory tests are needed for confirmation. No antiviral drugs or vaccines are available to treat the disease, although some physicians may prescribe a 5-day course of steroids to control the welling of the throat and tonsils. It is important to note that symptoms related to mono caused by EBV infection seldom last more than 4 months.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
National Center for Infectious Disease