Mononucleosis Causes

The Epstein-Barr virus causes mononucleosis in more than 90% of cases. This ubiquitous, highly contagious organism is a member of the Herpesviridae family of viruses (other viruses in this family include herpes simplex, varicella-zoster, cytomegalovirus, and human herpes virus 6 & 7). Cytomegalovirus (CMV) can sometimes also cause an illness with the symptoms of mononucleosis.

• Mononucleosis most often occurs in people between 5-25 years of age, with the highest occurrence rate between 15-25 years of age.



• Between 1%-3% of college students contract mononucleosis each year.



• In developed countries, it most often occurs in those of higher socioeconomic status.



• By adulthood, 90%-95% of people have already been infected with EBV.



• Not all individuals exposed to EBV, however, develop the symptoms of mononucleosis.



• Once infected, a person develops lifelong immunity to future infections from the disease.



• EBV has been associated with the development of certain cancers, such as nasopharyngeal carcinoma and Burkitt's lymphoma.



• EBV is transmitted through exposure to body fluids containing the virus.



• It is most often transmitted via saliva (hence the name "kissing disease").



• It can also be spread through blood and genital secretions.

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Mononucleosis (mono) - Symptoms Experienced

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