The prevalence of CEBV is currently under research, but it can be looked at as nothing short of an epidemic. It is estimated that between 70 and 95% of the population is infected with the Epstein-Barr virus, most victims completely unaware, left wondering if something is wrong mentally or if they simply cannot take the strain of daily life. This is most unfortunate, because oftentimes sufferers of CEBV never even know they have are infected in the first place. Some are even misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder, manic-depressive disorder, general anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, schizoid personality disorder, borderline personality disorder, mild psychosis, mild schizophrenia, or even hypochondria. Considering this alone, it seems that something needs to be done. The following is meant to give the reader an idea of the plague that is CEBV and what it entails to the health of the human species.
1. Worldwide concerns.
The virus was first discovered in the 60s, as mentioned in another section of this website. At first it was thought to be merely the culprit behind Mononucleosis, but recently it has been connected with everything from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) to certain types of cancers. Interestingly enough, the virus functions DIFFERENTLY across the world. In America it is currently associated with Mono, in Africa Bukitt’s lymphoma, and in Russia the Spring/Summer virus. Typically, a virus will function roughly the same in one place as it does elsewhere, not differently. However, it is being discovered that EBV does not function equally the same anywhere, from country to country, and even from person to person. Why it causes one type of disease in one area and another type in another area is unknown. Even more confusing is why it causes one set of symptoms in one person, and an entirely different set in another.
2. Hidden disaster.
As mentioned, a large amount of the population is infected with EBV without even realizing it or even considering it. Since the virus is still relatively new as far as research is concerned, and since some doctors even refuse to admit it exists, it is uncertain exactly how many lives have been ruined by CEBV. Who can know how many marriages have dissolved due to the stress of uneducated assumptions, or how many people have been torn apart mentally believing that something was biologically wrong as opposed to a physical culprit? Until the public, especially the medical community, is made more aware of the potential danger this virus poses to human existence, it will not receive the attention it requires in order to arrive at better treatment methods or even a cure. Who knows how many people reading this information will find for the first time hope in understanding exactly what is wrong?
3. Infection based on age and gender.
Currently, little research exists on this matter. It is assumed that the virus is normally easy for the immune system to combat the younger the sufferer’s age, similar in a way to the Varicella-Voster Virus (Chicken Pox). However, there are numerous instances where this is not the case. It may be generally assumed aside from this, that the older one is infected, the worse the symptoms and the longer the duration of the disease. Gender seems to have little to do with infection, though women do seem to be more resistant to infection.
4. Infection based on prior disease.
It has been assumed thus far that if one is infected with Mononucleosis early in life, antibodies to defend against CEBV will thus exist. However, many sufferers have apparently been infected with Mono prior to acquiring the disease. Most, in fact, are infected with Mono initially. It has been found that weaker immune systems can greatly effect the duration of infection and the initial spreading of the virus. However, yet again, there are numerous victims that prove this is not always the case. In fact, they are so numerous that it is most likely not the case at all.