Mono Causes and Risk Factors

Causes of mononucleosis
Mononucleosis is a condition caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). The virus occurs worldwide, and most people become infected with EBV sometime during their lives. Epstein-Barr virus, frequently referred to as EBV, is a member of the herpes virus family and one of the most common human viruses. The virus typically has an incubation period of four to eight weeks, although in young children this period is shorter.

Risk factors
Mono is most often seen in adolescents and young adults. Children can get the virus, but it often goes unnoticed because their symptoms are mild. Adults usually do not get mono, because they develop immunity to the virus over time. However, the virus is frequently found amongst populations of people living in close quarters. A person is at increased risk of getting mono if they:

• are between the ages of 10 and 24
• are in close contact with many people (Ex. college students, nurses, military personnel)
• have intimate contact with a person who has mono or an active EBV infection.
• share drinking glasses, eating utensils, dishes, or a toothbrush with an infected person

Many children become infected with EBV, and these infections usually cause no symptoms or are indistinguishable from the other mild, brief illnesses of childhood. But what are the symptoms of infection with EBV? And what are some possible signs of infectious mononucleosis? Continue reading for more information about symptoms of mono in the next section on the symptoms of mono here.