News: Researchers may be closer to developing a vaccine that protects against Epstein-Barr Viral Infection.
About Epstein-Barr Viral (EBV) Infection
- It is a widely spread double-stranded DNA virus and is a member of the herpes virus family.
- It is also known as human herpesvirus 4.
- It most commonly affects children, teenagers, and young adults, although people of any age can become infected.
- It is the virus responsible for causing infectious mononucleosis and other autoimmune diseases.
- Symptoms: It may includes fatigue, fever, sore or inflamed throat, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, enlarged spleen, swollen liver and skin rash.
- Many infections cause no symptoms or only mild illness
- Who Is at Risk: After infection, stays inactive (latent) in the body.
- It can reactivate later. People with weak immune systems are more likely to have symptoms during reactivation.
- Transmission: It is highly contagious virus and spreads through body fluids such as saliva.
- It can also spread through blood transfusions or organ transplants.
- It can survive on objects as long as they remain moist
- Prevention: It can be prevented by minimizing close contact with infected individuals and not sharing personal belongings.
- Treatment: There is no vaccine for EBV.
- It can be managed with adequate hydration and plenty of rest along with medications.
