Dec 19 2008
Can Epstein Barr Virus (Glandular Fever or Mononucleosis) Be Fatal?
The Epstein Barr virus that causes glandular fever or mononucleosis is rarely fatal. Death may follow complications like rupture of the spleen, airway obstruction, central nervous system complications, pericarditis, myocarditis or encephalitis. In immune compromised patients, the infection or its reactivation may lead to fatal B cell proliferation. Lymphoma and M.S have been associated with Epstein Barr virus, so death is possible from these diseases.
Here are some examples of Epstein Barr virus being fatal:
Recently a 14 year old English girl died from a ruptured spleen despite being under hospital observation for her mononucleosis symptoms.
A news story from Calgary, reports the case of a 17 year old girl who presented with a sore throat, fever and fainting. She was misdiagnosed with a strep throat instead of mononucleosis, and given antibiotics. She went on to develop liver failure, multi-organ failure then death. Her parents believe that the treating physicians were inadequate in doing proper investigations before her diagnosis, and that the antibiotics may have contributed to her death.
Another parent claimed that the doctors treating her baby daughter failed to act appropriately when the baby was brought in with vomiting, weakness, irritability and a low blood platelet count. The baby later died from a brain hemorrhage, before mononucleosis had been diagnosed.
Fatal cases are extremely rare with Epstein Barr. If you have been diagnosed with Epstein Barr, the best treatment is to rest your body, drink plenty of pure water and support your immune system with vitamins, minerals, herbs, an immune-boosting diet and lifestyle improvements. The natural treatments for Epstein Barr are discussed in detail in my e-book “Nature’s Amazing Mononucleosis Cures”.
34 responses so far
My husband was suffering from EB Virus. He had severe abdominal pain. Spleen enlargement, Multiple lymph nodes and low haemoglobin with intermittent fever.
Diagnosis was detected much later. Initially it was detected as Typhoid,Malaria,TB etc. Later it was found as EB Virus. He was on regular blood transfusion. His platelets were also dropping. He had swelling in his legs and low immunity. He was given IV Gamma treatment.
Everything ended with Multi organ failure. Wherther there was any scope of early detection or whether EB Virus ultimately ends up in death?????
I’m sorry to hear your husband was so sick with Epstein Barr virus and complications. It is extremely rare for Epstein Barr virus to be fatal.
A ruptured spleen is the most common cause of fatalities, although in children there have been deaths from the virus, even before it was
diagnosed. Some people believe that the administration of antibiotics and steroids during an Epstein Barr infection can weaken immunity
further and lead to complications.
Since most people get Epstein Barr by the time they are in their early twenties, it is often overlooked as a cause of illness in older adults.
It can be diagnosed from a blood test early on in the infection.
I hope this answers your question.
Best Wishes
Elizabeth
http://www.timeslive.co.za/local/article652653.ece/Mystery-illness-identified
Two brothers in South Africa died from Epstein Barr within 24 hours of each other. Thought you may be interested. Is it easily transmittable?
Hi,
Yes that was tragic news about the 2 brothers dying within hours of each other.
Typically Epstein Barr virus is a self-limiting illness which is rarely fatal. In extremely rare
cases some people develop a massive immune response to the virus which can result in organ
shutdown and death. This is what happened to these brothers.
Most people will pick up the Epstein Barr virus before the age of 40, however the majority
of people get over it without complications. It is transferred in the saliva of infected
people so can be picked up through kissing, sharing eating utensils or through
an infected cough or sneeze. It is one of those viruses that is hard to avoid picking
up.
Hope this answers your question.
Elizabeth
Hello, my Mother has had EBV for roughly two years now and her doctor said she would have good spells and bad, but recently (Pass few months) she’s been only gotting worse. She does have a poor immune system and her spleen in almost always swollen. Is there generally a range of how long bad spells last?
Hi Lindsay,
Thanks for your post. Sorry to hear your mother has not been well. EBV relapses generally only last a few days to a few weeks. In people with lowered immunity they can last longer.
I recommend your mother boosts her immunity with some nutrients like vitamin C, zinc, omega 3 fats plus immune-boosting herbs like olive leaf extract or astragalus. A high protein,
low carb diet plus stress management and graded exercise are also beneficial.
I hope this information helps.
Elizabeth
my son was diagnosed with glandular fever when he was aproximately 2years old, which took me by suprise, and a little shocked due to his age. He is now 13years old. at the moment i am sick with worry as my sister-in-law has being diagnosed with lymphoma cancer. i have done some reading on cancers associated with lymphoma and many are related to the ebv virus. is my son more prone to getting this type of cancer or any type of lymphatic cancer associated with. he is generally a healthy young man. should i have him checked reguarly by a doctor. please reply, thankyou
Hi Lidija,
Thanks for your post. The Epstein Barr virus has been linked to the development of some cancers including lymphoma. However it is very rare. For most people who get EBV there is very little chance lymphoma
will develop. There appears to be other factors involved which have still not been ascertained. If your son is fit and healthy then I would not worry – there is no need for regular checks.
Elizabeth
Hello,
The EB-virus almost killed me at the age of 12, turning inwardly affecting all of my organs, I had to learn how to walk all over again. Doctors gave up on me but somehow I was able to beat this the desease. After that I had a very poor immunesystem and at the age of 19 found out the virus never really left my body. I was sick for over a year and again lost my ability to walk, so i had to learn it all over again. At 21 it turned up again same story.
Due to treatment we managed to get it out of my system. In the following years I did have muscalar problems but they were manageable and things were going for the better.
Just last week I found out that I’m again infected with this virus and as a bonus a borreliabacteria, causing so much exhaustion. I am now 32 years old and realize that the biggest part of my life has been destroyed due to this virus.
Will i ever be able to get it out of my system, what is the percentage of people getting horrible deseases like ms etc.?
Hi Natalie,
Thanks for your post. Sorry to hear you have had such a bad experience with EBV. It is a latent virus that can relapse when you are run down or stressed.
It can also lower your immunity so you pick up secondary infections more easily. About 6% of people seem to suffer EBV relapses. A lot less suffer further complications like MS and it is still unknown exactly how these diseases are triggered. I would recommend you find a good wholistic doctor or naturopath who can work with you to eradicate the bacteria and to keep EBV in remission.
Best Wishes
Elizabeth
I have heard that a good wholistic doctor or naturopath may be able to work with me to eradicate the bacteria and to keep EBV in remission. I am in such desperate need of help as I am sure many of you are also. I just need a specialist in this area or someone. Please, I have begun to think my body can’t last much longer. Does anyone know of a doctor anywhere in the US? I would like to see my child graduate from medical school but I don’t know that I will last. These 16 months have been terribly debilitating. My job is almost gone and my family. . . well I can see it on my husband’s face. It’s destroying not only me but him too. Will someone please help me?
Hi Debbie,
Sorry you have been so ill. It can be a very worrying time. To find a good doctor or naturopath I suggest you do a search on the doctor’s list on : http://www.co-cure.org/Good-Doc.htm
Alternatively there is a free forum at http://www.cebv.org where you could ask other EBV sufferers.
I hope this information helps. Elizabeth
Hi Laxmi,
Sorry to hear your husband’s story. In answer to your questions:
EBV is rarely fatal. In some cases fatalities do occur from a ruptured spleen, organ failure or other complications. Steroids are sometimes given to EBV patients to relieve severe inflammation however they do suppress natural immunity and can make it harder for the body to fight the virus. The virus itself can also lower immunity however most people bounce back with no complications. EBV is not hereditary. It is an infection that is passed in the saliva from person to person. Symptoms of EBV are typically fatigue, sore throat, swollen glands and fever. A blood test can be used to detect the initial infection or a relapse.
I hope this helps answer some of your questions.
Elizabeth
What is EB Virus? Is it Cancer? Is is curable? My husband was suffering from EB Virus. Initially it was suspected as Malaria, TB, Typhoid etc. But when no medicines worked further investigation revealed it was EB Virus. the haemoglobin was dropping continuously. He was on blood transfusion. He was on IV Gamma treatment. Doctors said that there is nothing to worry. It is self limiting disease. It will go on its own. It never went. He was put on steroids. He was loosing weight. He had fluid retention too.
This was going on for few months. He had heavy breathing problem too. He had swelling in his legs. Suddenly his kidney started disfunctioning. They stared dialysis. that was there for some days. He had to be put on ventilator. He passed away with multi organ failure.
I would like to know whether EB Virus is fatal? If not how these thing s developed? Whether we did not go on the right track? or whether we delayed the proces?
Regards,
Nannima
Hi Nannima,
I’m sorry to hear about the loss of your husband to Epstein Barr virus. It is extremely rare to die from this virus. Most people have contacted the virus before the age of 40 and do get over it without any complications. People who die from it do so because of spleen rupture, organ failure or a predisposing medical condition.
EBV is not a cancer. It is a virus that forms part of the herpes family of viruses. It sounds like your husband had a very serious case of it. In patients who are older than 20 or so the symptoms can be more severe than in children or teenagers.
The standard medical treatment is rest, plenty of fluids and the prescription of steroids if there is severe swelling or problems with breathing. The natural approach is aimed at boosting the body’s immunity with nutrients, herbs, a fresh food diet and rest. The earlier the diagnosis is made the better the chances of recovery. I’m sure your husband’s doctors did the best they could. If it eases your mind I’m sure they would have a chat with you.
Kind Regards
Elizabeth
My father had eb virus problem. In the begining he had fever and later it was diagnosed as EB virus. He was on blood transfusion for sometime and finally it ended with T Cell lymphoproliferative disorder. What does this mean? Is is cancer related? How does it come? How do we prevent it?
Regards,
Deepa
Hi Deepa,
Lymphoproliferative disorders are those in which lymphocytes, white blood cells produced in the lymphatic tissue (the lymph nodes, spleen, thymus, for example), are over-produced or act abnormally. Lymphocytes include T cells, which help control the body’s immune reactions, and B cells, which produce antibodies to fight infection. These cells circulate in the blood and lymphatic system, and participate in the body’s direct attack against foreign invaders. These disorders are usually seen in immune-compromised people for example after a bout of Epstein Barr. There may also be a genetic component involved. There is a variety of different forms of lymphoproliferative disorders which require the skills of a specialist to treat.
Elizabeth
My dad had fever. since it did not subside doctors told him to go for xray,CT scan and Pet scan which revealed he had splenomegaly and lymphadenopathy. They started treating him initially for typhoid ,TB etc. Nothing worked. His haemoglobin started falling. As a support he had to be given blood transfusion. The HB will go up and will start falling after few days. The lymph node in the neck was operated and sent it for biopsy. It did not reveal malignancy at all. Even endoscopy was also done. there was no sign of any malignancy.
Suddenly one fine day we realised that his platelets were also falling down. He as put on steroids and cyclosporin.He died of multi organ failure. What could be the reason for this. If it is not cancer What is it? Whether we could have prevented. What is the reason for enlarged spleen. He was not at all into the habits of drinking or smoking.
Hi Shweta,
I am sorry to hear of the loss of your father. It can be a very difficult time when the cause was not specific.
I’m not sure if your father was tested for Epstein Barr but this virus can cause an enlarged spleen, lymphadenopathy and fever. A low platelet count can also indicate a viral infection like Epstein Barr. Multi organ failure is a rare complication of Epstein Barr virus which can be fatal. Your father’s doctors should have an opinion on the cause of his illness.
Take care,
Elizabeth
My son in law was suffering fom fever with lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly. His haemoglobin was very low. Doctors said that he is suffering from Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis .
What is the meaning of this? Is is fatal? Is there no remedy for this? What are the causes>
How could you prevent this? What are line of treatment?
Regards,
P Prema
Hi I have been fighting with ebv for 5 years now , 4 relapses so for. When mine gets really bad I become excessivly weak and my body aches would make normal people want to die. It all started for me at age 21 I am going on 27 and leading that in on my 4th relapse hurray. I guess what I am trying to say is yes it stinks but I am still holding out hope that one day it will go away and life will return back to normal where I can push myself or what I say push is really work a five day week without knowing that if I keep doing it for 4 to 6 months I will fall into another 6 months of being unable to not sleep at least 20 hours a day not caring if I eat or shower. Hang in there everyone
Hi Eric,
Thanks for your encouraging post to others going through this nasty illness. Just take things a day at a time and keep on doing the treatments that help you feel better.
Best Wishes
Elizabeth
Hi Prema,
Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis is a very rare syndrome involving the overactivity of T lymphocytes and macrophages (types of white blood cells that fight infection). It can be triggered by infectious diseases like Epstein Barr, as well as immune disorders and malignancies. It can also be an inherited disease. This syndrome can lead to clinical signs like swollen glands, enlarged spleen, skin rash, fever and low haemoglobin. If not treated it can be fatal. I am not familiar with the treatment options but think that bone marrow transplants may be recommended. Your son in law will need to discuss treatment options with his doctors and specialists.
Elizabeth
hello. I have tested positive for the ebv and until recently had the classic mono symptoms of fever, chills, sore throat and swollen glands. Those symptoms subsided except I also developed tingling and numbness in my foot and with in weeks it moved to my entire body. I now have pain in legs and back and I can feel my nerves causing the pain. I don’t know what else to do. I just got an mri and it came back normal except for sinuses. I don’t have the strength to walk around because it hurts and at night I feel the pain worse. Is there any advice or info on what doctor to see for this problem as no one seems to know anything. Thanks.
Hi Melissa,
Thanks for your post. Sorry you are suffering with body pain and weakness. The Epstein Barr virus can attack the nerves of the body to cause neurological symptoms.
I recommend you get onto some nerve nutrients like magnesium, the B complex, vitamin C and fish oils. Epsom salt baths which are naturally high in magnesium may help to relax you. It would be advisable to see a good chiropractor or osteopath who can assess your condition and treat accordingly.
Hope this gets you started.
Elizabeth
My son is 14 with ALL. He is currently experiancing high fevers for a month now and was being treated for a pneumonia. He has a large mass in his right lung which they removed and now multiple ones throughout both lungs and his liver. all biopsoes show nothing but dead tissue. Does this sound like EBV Virus?
Hi Dawn,
Sorry to hear your son is not well. The fevers are usually a reaction to an infection like pneumonia or EBV. The masses in the lungs and liver are not typical of EBV. They sound more like an auto immune condition like sarcoidosis. I would be finding a good holistic doctor who can test your son and guide you through this difficult time. Personally I would be looking at an immune-balancing and anti-inflammatory protocol with vitamin C, zinc, fish oils, steam inhalations and a pure diet. Best Wishes,
Elizabeth
My daughter was positive for monospot, but still has normal sized lymphnods in her neck, very jaudice, with fever (ibuprofen helps) and extreme abdominal pain. The admitted her to the hospital and her bellirubin was 11, 10.7 and white counts ok. They also did an ultrasound and the spleen and liver are enlarged. Her headache comes and goes, but has no sore throat. They sent her home to rest and said to keep up liquids. She can barely eat, alway feeling full and nausea. No she can barely lay on the couch it hurts her side. I don’t know what else to do, besides go in to the doctor every two days for blood work and they poke at her belly. Any advice or options you can make. She has always been a healthy girl, just colds now and again.
Thanks,
Hi Aimee,
Sorry to hear your daughter is so ill. Apart from rest and lots of fluid I would be adding some immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory nutrients into her regime. A powder or liquid form may be easier for her to ingest. The most important nutrients are vitamin C, zinc, the B complex, magnesium and some omega 3 oils. Liver and lymphatic cleansing herbs like milk thistle and red root would be advisable for the enlarged liver and spleen. For the abdominal pain she could try a hot compress or an Epsom salt bath.
I hope she starts to feel better soon.
Elizabeth
I believe this virus is way more dangerous than the medical community currently believes. I am of the mindset that there are also many more deaths directly attributable to EBV than has been reported. The medical community as a whole has yet to catch up with what is going on with thousands of people in the United States. I am a 35 year old male who contracted primary EBV induced Mononucleosis about a year and one-half ago. Dr’s all said the same thing ‘Give it time…’ All the while I’ve been dealing with Myoclonus, muscle fasciculations, fever, tinittis and hearing loss, extreme muscle and joint pain, confusion,rashes, swollen, achey lymph nodes, chronic dry nose and sinusitis. How many more must die from EBV induced disease before a real effort is made for an effective anti-viral and/or a vaccine. I am less than half the man I was and am currently applying for disability. Good luck to you all. Stand up and tell your truth.
Today, I learned that I have EBV. A skin prick and instant test showed positive for the virus. About two weeks ago, I felt a chill come on after returning from a cruise to Mexico. I felt incredibly tired and slept the entire final day. After arriving home, I developed head cold symptoms–”lots of sneezing.” Well, I just thought that. Caught a cold. I had a follow-up appointment with my allergist to discuss immuno-therapy and mild asthma. He prescribed an inhaled corticosteriod to supplement the nasal steriod I was previously prescribed. After about 3 days with about 5% of improvement, I got the chills–and they were intense and somewhat terrifying. Well, I stopped taking the new medication because chills were listed as a side effect. That was last week. Over the past week, I noticed a persistent night fever, occassional night chills and sweats, intermittent headache, one day of a bad sore thoat and sore tongue, and swollen lymph notes. This morning, after a night of serious sweating (and I rarely sweat) and a sore lower back, I knew that it had to be something powerful, such as mono, strep throat, or even pneumonia. I was put at ease by a skilled walk-in clinic nurse. She tested my strep and mono right there. She also did the pelvic exam. Only my liver was a bit tender. The positive line on the EBV test was faint, but she said that I was tested at the right time. Now, I know that I have to take it easy. My previous exercise routine would have put me at greater risk for a ruptured spleen. I feel for the people who have lost loved ones and developed complications. The night chills and sweats have been frightening–reminiscient of the flu. I ate a lighter meal tonight and am drinking plenty of fluids. I am hoping that I contracted EBV on or prior to going on a cruise. I remember someone that I briefly dated in November stating that she had flu-like symptoms for almost the entire month of September. I wish that I would have asked more questions before kissing her. If I did catch EBV from her, that means the incubation period was from 2 to 4 weeks. This would put me at about 2 weeks of symptoms. Regardless, I am eager to shed this health concern–hoping that I am one of the more fortunate ones who caught it early and can make nutritional modifications, such as make smaller and greener meals and drink lots of orange juice. When will I sense that he or she is in the clear and relatively safe from a relapse? Thank you
Hi Phil,
Sorry to hear you have been diagnosed with EBV. Fever, chills, fatigue and respiratory symptoms are typical of this infection.
The virus can be shed from the throat for up to 6 months after the initial infection although in some people the virus can
relapse and shed again in the long term. I would recommend you make your dietary improvements and get onto some
immune boosting supplements like vitamin C, zinc and echinacea. It typically takes about 2-4 weeks to feel better although
this varies from person to person. To optimise your results get plenty of rest, eat a pure food diet and drink plenty of fluids.
Best Wishes
Elizabeth
My 12 yr old daughter spiked her fever Jan 1st, 2012. Took her in on the 3rd and was treated for strep. Amoxicillin. No better by the 6th so came back and got the mono diagnosis. Sent home for fluids and rest. In the hospital for fluids and tests 18th-20th. Back again for IVs the 27th. Doctors are surprised that its lasted so long. She’s on Tylenol 3 for the pain, but this weekend it didn’t seem to cut it at all. She wears a cover on her eyes cuz the light hurts her head so bad, as does the slightest noise and the bodyaches never quit. I finally gave her some vicoprophen so she could sleep. I’m grateful to see that she is not a unique case as we’ve been led to believe, but what now? Is there any way to stop the white blood cells from attacking the Myetheline sheathe on her nerves? How do you prevent nerve damage from occurring? I’m more confused and worried now than before! Ready for this to be over, but only if we get a happy ending! My heart goes out to all of you who have lost loved ones to this virus, it truly does.
God Bless You All
Hi Salli,
Thanks for your post. Sorry your daughter has been so ill with mono.
I would look at getting your daughter onto some good immune boosting supplements like vitamin C, zinc and echinacea to help her body fight the virus. For her headaches and body aches, Epsom salt baths (2 cups to a hot bath) are worth a try. Magnesium, the B complex and some fish oils can support the nerves. A pure fresh food diet with lots of pure water is essential.
I hope these ideas get you started.
Elizabeth