Infectious Mononucleosis

Infectious mononucleosis is an acute viral infection characterized by fever, sore throat, and swelling of the lymph nodes. The source of infection is people with acute or chronic infectious mononucleosis, as well as healthy virus carriers. People begin to spread the infection a few weeks after becoming infected.

Spread of the Disease

Epstein-Barr viruses spread through droplets in the air and by contact. Infection can occur through direct contact with an infected person (e.g., kissing or using the same utensils). The viruses spread when an infected person talks, sneezes, or coughs. Infectious mononucleosis is often contracted through kissing, which is why this disease is also known as the kissing disease. Epstein-Barr viruses are widespread worldwide. About 90–95% of the world's population is infected with these viruses. After recovering from this disease, a person develops EBV antibodies that remain for life. Children under 5 years of age are most commonly infected with Epstein-Barr viruses, but the viruses usually do not cause any symptoms of the disease or cause respiratory infection symptoms, which do not usually lead to suspicion of infectious mononucleosis. Resistance to EBV-induced infectious mononucleosis develops after contact with the viruses.

Symptoms of the Disease

The onset of the disease often manifests with non-specific symptoms: general malaise, severe fatigue, loss of appetite, chills, and muscle pain. Later, the temperature rises, chills occur, the throat and head hurt, and bones feel achy. The temperature may be high for several days, then drops and does not rise above 38°C. Fever can last from 2–7 to 20 days. A few red spots may appear on the face, trunk, and limbs. One of the most common symptoms of the disease is the enlargement of many lymph nodes, especially in the neck, armpits, and less commonly, the groin. The throat and tonsils become red, and grayish or greenish plaques appear on the tonsils. There may also be inflammation of the gums and oral mucosa. Fatigue can persist for several months.

In children under 5 years, EBV infection usually does not cause symptoms, but it can manifest with atypical symptoms: irritability, abdominal pain due to enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes or spleen, and signs of upper respiratory tract infection. Symptoms of infectious mononucleosis rarely last longer than 4 months; if they persist for more than 6 months, it is called chronic EBV infection. It is not recommended to engage in sports or heavy work for 2 months after recovering from the disease.