Facts About EBV
What are the signs and symptoms of an EBV infection?
What are the short- and long-term effects of an EBV infection?
Once I have EBV, do I have it forever?
Where can I find more information about EBV?
What is EBV?
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), also known as human herpesvirus 4 (HHV-4), is a member of the herpes virus family. EBV is a highly common and contagious human virus; most people are exposed to EBV in their lifetime, either during childhood or adolescence/young adulthood. The virus is mainly transmitted through saliva and primarily infects B cells (a type of immune cell) and epithelial cells in the oropharynx (a part of the throat).
What are the signs and symptoms of an EBV infection?
EBV infections are often asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic, with infectious mononucleosis (mono) occurring primarily among infected teenagers and young adults. Symptoms include fatigue, fever, sore throat, head/body aches, swollen or tender lymph nodes, and rashes. Symptoms of mono usually appear 4-6 weeks after infection. Many people recover within 2-4 weeks, though some symptoms can last for up to 6 months or longer.
What are the short- and long-term effects of an EBV infection?
Mono is the most common short-term illness caused by EBV. EBV has also been associated with long-term health conditions, like multiple sclerosis (MS), Burkitt lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), diffuse large B cell lymphoma, post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD), nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC), and gastric carcinoma. Individuals with weakened immune systems may be at an increased risk of long-term illnesses caused by EBV infection.
Once I have EBV, do I have it forever?
Yes. After becoming infected with EBV, the virus establishes a lifelong infection. The virus typically remains "dormant" (latent state) after the primary infection, but may sporadically reactivate (lytic state). This reactivation often causes no symptoms.
Is there a test for EBV?
Yes. An individual can determine if they have been infected by EBV, either recently or in the past, with a blood test that detects the presence of antibodies against EBV.
Is there a vaccine?
No, there is currently no approved vaccine against EBV infection available, though vaccines are being developed by pharmaceutical companies and government organizations. The RISE-UP study is in support of this vaccine development.
Is there a cure?
No, there is currently no cure for EBV. Treatments available focus on relieving and managing any complications.
Where can I find more information about EBV?
For more information about EBV and EBV-associated illnesses, check out the following websites:
- Government of Canada - Epstein-Barr virus pathogen safety data sheet
- CDC - About Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)
- CDC - Clinical Overview of Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)