Mono
Mononucleosis
Background
Infectious mononucleosis is often called the kissing disease most commonly caused by the Epstein Barr virus (ebv). Ebv affects the lymphocytes, which are white blood cells, involved in the adaptive immune system. Mononucleosis can also be caused by cytomegalovirus (hcmv), a herpes virus most commonly found in body fluids. The virus that causes mono is transmitted through saliva, so you can get it through kissing, but you can also be exposed through a cough or sneeze, or by sharing a glass or food utensils with someone who has mono. The disease can be seen in many populations and ages, but is most commonly contracted by adolescents and young adults ages 15-35.
Pseudo-Outbreak of Infectious Mononucleosis—Puerto Rico 1990
-From September 11 to October 7, 57 persons including outpatients, inpatients and staff at a community hospital in Puerto Rico were infected.
-On October 8, the PRDH was informed of the outbreak and the investigation began.
-All available hospital medical records were reviewed for persons who had tested positive 40 of 57 persons and compared with a random sample of half the available medical records for persons who had tested negative 31 of 67 persons
-Among the 28 people who tested positive, illness onset occurred during August 26-October 6.
-Symptoms included fever, headache, myalgia, and pharyngitis.
-Three persons attended one school, six persons were employees of the hospital; no other common exposures were reported.
Defensive measures against Mononucleosis
-Wash hands frequently
-Avoid close contact with those that have mono
-Use disposable paper cups paper towels in the bathroom
-Disinfect shared surfaces such as tabletops and kitchen counters.
Reservoir
Infectious agent
Susceptible host
Portal of entry
Mode of transmission
Transmissions have to be direct contact. Because the victim carries EBV in the throat, transmission is generally by the oral-pharyngeal. Direct contact
Background
Infectious mononucleosis is often called the kissing disease most commonly caused by the Epstein Barr virus (ebv). Ebv affects the lymphocytes, which are white blood cells, involved in the adaptive immune system. Mononucleosis can also be caused by cytomegalovirus (hcmv), a herpes virus most commonly found in body fluids. The virus that causes mono is transmitted through saliva, so you can get it through kissing, but you can also be exposed through a cough or sneeze, or by sharing a glass or food utensils with someone who has mono. The disease can be seen in many populations and ages, but is most commonly contracted by adolescents and young adults ages 15-35.
Pseudo-Outbreak of Infectious Mononucleosis—Puerto Rico 1990
-From September 11 to October 7, 57 persons including outpatients, inpatients and staff at a community hospital in Puerto Rico were infected.
-On October 8, the PRDH was informed of the outbreak and the investigation began.
-All available hospital medical records were reviewed for persons who had tested positive 40 of 57 persons and compared with a random sample of half the available medical records for persons who had tested negative 31 of 67 persons
-Among the 28 people who tested positive, illness onset occurred during August 26-October 6.
-Symptoms included fever, headache, myalgia, and pharyngitis.
-Three persons attended one school, six persons were employees of the hospital; no other common exposures were reported.
Defensive measures against Mononucleosis
-Wash hands frequently
-Avoid close contact with those that have mono
-Use disposable paper cups paper towels in the bathroom
-Disinfect shared surfaces such as tabletops and kitchen counters.
Reservoir
Infectious agent
Susceptible host
Portal of entry
Mode of transmission
Transmissions have to be direct contact. Because the victim carries EBV in the throat, transmission is generally by the oral-pharyngeal. Direct contact
References: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/00014974.htm http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/ebv.htm#past