Who Is Affected by Infectious Mononucleosis

Infectious mononucleosis (mono) occurs in about 1 out of 2,000 people every year. People between the ages of 15 and 24 are most likely to have symptoms of mono.

Most people have been exposed to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which causes mono, by the time they reach adulthood. They likely won't have symptoms, but they can spread the virus to others every now and then throughout their lives.

  • Young children infected with the virus usually have no symptoms or only mild symptoms.
  • If a person is first infected with the virus as a teen or young adult, he or she is likely to develop symptoms of mono.

ByHealthwise Staff

Primary Medical ReviewerE. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine

Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine

Specialist Medical ReviewerCaroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine

Current as ofMarch 3, 2017