What is Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)?
– EBV is a member of the Herpesvirus family and is one of the most common human viruses. 2. How Common is EBV? – EBV occurs worldwide, and most people become infected with EBV sometime during their lives. In the U.S., as many as 95% of adults between 35 and 40 years of age have been infected. Infants become susceptible to EBV as soon as maternal antibody protection (present at birth) disappears usually after 6 months of age. Children often become infected with EBV, and these infections usually cause no symptoms or are indistinguishable from the other mild, brief illnesses of childhood. If EBV occurs during adolescence or young adulthood, infectious mononucleosis will result 35% to 50% of the time. 3. What are the Symptoms of Infectious Mononucleosis? – Symptoms are fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph glands. Sometimes, a swollen spleen or liver involvement may develop. Heart problems or involvement of the central nervous system occurs only rarely, and infectious mononucleosis is almo
