Where do people get exposed to the Epstein-Barr virus? What is the Epstein-Barr virus?
1 Answer
Epstein-Barr is a virus in the herpes family that is best known as the cause of infectious mononucleosis (also called mono and glandular fever).
Explanation:
It was first described in 1968 by Epstein and Barr. Around nine out of 10 adults carry the virus, making it one of the commonest human viral infections around.
The virus "hides" from our immune systems until they weaken and then they attack. Many times this results in cancers.
There are an estimated 200,000 cancers caused by the virus across the world every year, including lymphomas, nasopharyngeal cancers, and some stomach cancers.
It has been commonly seen in HIV patients and organ transplant patients because their immune systems are not working well.
In total, there are 8 herpesvirus types that infect humans.
Mononucleosis, is spread through direct contact with saliva. This includes sharing eating utensils, drinks, and even things like lip gloss, lipstick, or lip balm.
A person who's infected can spread the virus without even knowing it.
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