Mononucleosis Spreading Across SPC Campus

 Amanda Hurt-Piercy, staff writer

 

As each day passes, infectious mononucleosis cases continue to be reported across the South Plains.

 

Infectious mononucleosis, most commonly known as mono, is a common viral infection

caused by the Epstein-Bar virus (EBV). Mono is spread mainly through the saliva, which is why it has been nicknamed the “kissing disease.”

 

According to DeEtte Edens, coordinator of student health services at South Plains College, as of March 20 there have been 15 reported cases at SPC. The first case of mono at SPC was diagnosed on March 2.

 

“There are cases being reported across the county of Hockley and some of the South Plains,” said Dr. George Young, medical director for Levelland Clinic North. “We have had over 100 reported cases of mono.”

 

There has been no official word of a mono epidemic from the Health Department, but the number of cases reported gives that indication, said Edens.

 

The symptoms of the virus can take up to a month to occur after it enters the body. It often causes no symptoms when children have it, but for adolescents and young adults it causes illness and leads to missed school.

 

The first symptoms usually are tiredness, fever, headache and muscle aches. Many people have extreme tiredness and need to sleep 12 to 16 hours a day before they have any other symptoms. After a few days of fever and aches, other symptoms are sore throat and swollen lymph nodes in the neck. People with the virus might also have a loss of appetite, nausea, joint aches and a rash, sometimes including tiny red spots in the mouth.

 

“If you start to experience any of the symptoms of mono, go to your doctor immediately,” said Edens. “There are most likely more cases of mono, but people might think the symptoms are the common cold or allergies and don’t come in to get tested.”

 

Mono is diagnosed through a blood test given by the health care provider. Along with the blood test, symptoms of the virus will be looked for. The first blood test might come back negative, but a complete blood count might show that a mono infection is beginning to develop. Your doctor then may ask you to come back for a second blood test.

 

There is no specific drug treatment for mono. Antibiotics are not helpful, because it is a viral illness. The most important thing one can do is to get plenty of rest. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be taken for fever and sore throat, but if symptoms seem to be getting worse rather than improving, tell a health care provider.

 

Strep throat or a sinus infection could develop, along with abscess (pockets of infection) on the tonsil. These types of infections can be treated with antibiotics. Sometimes the virus can also cause the tonsils to become so large that they block the throat or the virus might inflame the liver. So do not drink alcohol while battling the illness, because it could further injure the liver.

Avoid heavy lifting or any kind of jarring activity or contact sport for about a month. If the spleen happens to become enlarged by mono, any type of physical contact could cause rupturing. Check with a healthcare provider to see when it is permissible to return to school, work or sports.

Usually the fever, sore throat, and extreme fatigue brought on by mono will last about one to two weeks. This is when the illness is most contagious. It can take several weeks, and in some cases several months, for the body’s immune system to overcome the virus. The Epstein-Barr virus stays in the body even after the patient recovers. Mono could occur again, but it doesn’t usually happen.

 

“A person with mono can take care of themselves by getting a lot of rest, following their health care provider’s instructions and treating their symptoms,” said Edens. “We have no way of treating the virus, but we can treat the symptoms.”

 

The best way to prevent the spread of mono is to avoid any contact with saliva.  

                            

“Wash your hands numerous times throughout the day,” said Young. “I would also advise people to carry hand sanitizer to help stop the spread of germs.”

 

 Also avoid sharing food, drinking after others, sharing eating utensils and any other contact with saliva.

 

“This virus can affect students’ ability to perform in classes,” said Cathy Mitchell, dean of student life at SPC. “ Follow the guidelines of preventing mono so we can limit this as much as possible.”

For more information on mono, contact Edens at 894-9611, ext. 2376.