Mononucleosis
Prevention and Control of Communicable Diseases
Mononucleosis
Mononucleosis (mono) is often seen in high school and college students. About 50% of those infected will develop symptoms of infectious mononucleosis.
Cause
Most of the cases are caused by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). However, about 5% to 7% of cases are caused by cytomegalovirus (CMV).
Symptoms
Fever, sore throat, swollen glands (especially behind the neck), headache, tiredness, and sometimes a rash. Mono can last up to several weeks. It may take weeks to months to regain energy; however, this will vary from person to person.
Less common problems include jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) and/or enlarged spleen or liver. Although rare, the spleen may rupture in extreme cases.
Spread
From person-to-person through saliva. Spread can occur by kissing or sharing items contaminated with saliva (e.g., drinking cups, straws, bottles, mouthed pens and pencils, lip balm, or toothbrushes). Since this virus does not live long on surfaces and objects, you need to be exposed to fresh saliva to become infected.
Incubation
It takes about 4 to 6 weeks from the time a person is exposed until symptoms begin.
Contagious Period
From many weeks to a year or more. Some adults are carriers of the virus.
Exclusion
Child Care and School: None, as long as the child is able to participate in routine activities. Because students/adults can have the virus without any symptoms and can be contagious for such a long time, exclusion will not prevent spread.
Sports: Contact sports should be avoided until the student is recovered fully and the spleen is no longer palpable.
Diagnosis
A healthcare provider may do blood tests.
Treatment
May include bed rest, drinking plenty of water, restriction on lifting heavy objects or vigorous exercise, including contact sports.
Prevention/Control
- Regular and thorough handwashing is the best way to prevent the spread of communicable diseases. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm running water after any contact with saliva or items contaminated with saliva.
- DO NOT allow sharing of drinking cups, bottles, straws, cigarettes, mouthed pens and pencils, toothbrushes, or lip balm. DO NOT allow sharing of water bottles during sports events.
- Avoid kissing an infected child on the lips or having contact with their saliva.
- Clean and sanitize mouthed objects and surfaces at least daily and when soiled.
For more information, call the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (MDHSS) Bureau of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention at 573-751-6113 or 800-392-0272 (24/7), or call your local health department.
Mononucleosis Parent Fact Sheet
Your child may have been exposed to:
Mononucleosis
Mononucleosis (mono) is a viral illness.
If you think your child has Mono:
- Tell your child care provider or call the school.
- Need to stay home?
Child Care and School:
No, as long as the child is healthy enough for routine activities.Sports:
Children with an enlarged spleen should avoid contact sports until cleared by their healthcare provider.
Symptoms
Your child may have a sore throat, swollen glands, headache, fever, and sometimes a rash. Your child may be very tired.
Mono usually lasts from one week to several weeks. The time it takes to recover and regain energy varies from person to person.
Less common problems include jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) and/or enlarged spleen or liver.
If your child is infected, it may take about 4 to 6 weeks for symptoms to start.
Spread
- By kissing or sharing items contaminated with saliva.
Contagious Period
For several weeks or longer.
Call your Healthcare Provider
- If anyone in your home has symptoms of mononucleosis. Your child may need bed rest, to drink plenty of water, and to avoid some physical activities.
Prevention
- Wash hands after touching anything that could be contaminated with secretions from the nose or mouth. Your child may need help with handwashing.
- Avoid sharing drink containers and cups or silverware. Wash all dishes with hot soapy water between uses.
- Clean and disinfect any objects that come in contact with the nose or mouth (for example, mouthed toys). Use a product that kills viruses.
- Avoid kissing or having contact with the saliva of an infected child.
For more information, call the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (MDHSS) Bureau of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention at 573-751-6113 or 800-392-0272 (24/7), or call your local health department.