Dangerous Liaisons: the connection between multiple sclerosis and the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)
The EBV virus is a member of the herpes virus family (oral herpes, genital herpes, chickenpox, shingles, etc.) and is transmitted by droplets of saliva. As a rule, the infection is asymptomatic. In rare cases, the primary infection manifests as glandular fever, viral sore throat and swollen lymph nodes. People who catch glandular fever are three times more likely to develop MS later on.