Local News Update
Study of Mononucleosis Just Released
Mononucleosis
What Mononucleosis Is
Mononucleosis or Mono, aka the "Kissing Disease", has had a recent outbreak of cases in and around Fort Smith, Arkansas. Mono is a blood borne disease passed by saliva. It can give you sore throat, fever, and fatigue. If you think you have Mono, go to a doctor for more help. Keep reading for more facts and tips about Mono
Transmission (How You Get It)
Mono is blood borne, so it can't be passed through the air we breathe, just by bodily fluids like blood, saliva, and the mucus produced when you cough or sneeze. If someone close to you has Mono, it would be best to steer clear of them for a month or two. Do not eat or drink after them, and definitely do not kiss them!
Symptoms
Mono causes symptoms that can last for up to two months. You can have a fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, headache, and fatigue. Also, Mono has an incubation period of four to six weeks during which it is not active, so you may have it and have no idea that you have it.
Disease Prevention
To prevent Mono, do not drink or eat after people. Mono is spread through your saliva, so that is a surefire way to get Mono. Also, because Mono is spread through saliva, do not kiss anyone who has Mono. There is no way to prevent Mono other than avoiding opportunities to get other people's saliva in your mouth.
Causes of Mono
The Epstein-Barr virus causes Mono. It is a bacterial disease spread through saliva. Stay away from other people's saliva! It's gross!
The Epstein-Barr virus
A Mono Infected Throat
You don't want this!
No Vaccine To Prevent Mono!
History of Mononucleosis
Mono was first discovered in 1880 where it was first called Glandular Fever. In 1968, it was discovered that the Epstein-Barr virus causes Mono.