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Public Health Solutions
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Crete, NE 68333-2562
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Infectious Mononucleosis
What is Infectious Mononucleosis?
Infectious Mononucleosis is a viral disease that affects certain blood cells. The Epstein-Barr virus -- the causative agent of mononucleosis -- is a member of the herpes virus family. Other agents such as cytomegalovirus, toxoplasmosis, and human herpesvirus type 6, can cause an illness similar to mononucleosis. The disease usually occurs sporadically. Outbreaks are rare.
Who gets Infectious Mononucleosis?
While most people are exposed to the Epstein-Barr virus sometime in their lives, very few develop the symptoms of Infectious Mononucleosis. In underdeveloped countries, people are exposed in early childhood when they are not likely to develop noticeable symptoms. In developed countries such as the United States, the age of first exposure may be delayed until older childhood and young adulthood when symptoms are more likely to result. For this reason, it is recognized more often in high school and college students.
How is Infectious Mononucleosis spread?
The virus is spread by person-to-person contact, via saliva (on toys or hands, or by kissing).
What are the symptoms of Infectious Mononucleosis?
Symptoms include fever, sore throat, swollen glands, and feeling tired. Sometimes, the liver and spleen are affected and enlarged. Duration is from one to several weeks. A small proportion of affected people can take months to return to their normal energy level. There is no evidence that this is due to abnormal persistence of the infection in a chronic form. The disease is more severe in older adults, but very rarely is the disease fatal.
How soon do the symptoms appear?
Symptoms appear from four to six weeks after exposure.
When and for how long is a person able to spread Infectious Mononucleosis?
The virus is shed in the throat during the illness and for up to a year after infection. After the initial infection, the virus tends to become dormant for a prolonged period and can later reactivate and be shed from the throat again.
Is there treatment for Infectious Mononucleosis?
No treatment other than rest is needed in the vast majority of affected people. Due to the risk of rupture of the spleen, contact sports should be avoided until clearance has been given by a physician.
How can the spread of Infectious Mononucleosis be minimized?
Avoid activities involving the transfer of saliva with someone who is currently or recently infected. This includes kissing and sharing beverages. Currently, there is no vaccine available to prevent Infectious Mononucleosis.
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