Is this a real-life version of “You Who Came from the Stars”? Recently, a young woman in Jiangsu suffered a high fever for a week that did not improve even after treatment. Doctors discovered she had contracted Infectious Mononucleosis, colloquially known as the “kissing disease.”
Infectious Mononucleosis (IM) is a contagious disease caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). The main transmission route is oral contact, and it’s generally a self-limiting illness with a good prognosis for most patients. The three primary symptoms of the “kissing disease” are fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes.
According to local media Modern Express, the patient, an adolescent girl in Jiangsu, was taken to the Fifth People’s Hospital of Suzhou for treatment after a week of persistent high fever and unsuccessful regular fluid treatment. Upon examination, doctors found her neck and armpit lymph nodes to be significantly enlarged and white blood cells abnormally increased. She also exhibited abnormal lymphocytes and liver function, leading to the diagnosis of Infectious Mononucleosis, or the “kissing disease.” After a series of treatments, the patient recovered well.
Interestingly, there have been several similar cases. As reported by The Paper, in 2021, a 24-year-old man in Hunan, identified as Xiao Zhang, began to experience chills, fever, dry heaves, and throat pain after several passionate kisses with his girlfriend. He tested positive for the EBV antibody and was diagnosed with the “kissing disease.”
In 2022, an 18-year-old male in Shenzhen, Guangdong, was diagnosed with the “kissing disease” after experiencing continuous fever and throat pain, as reported by Bailu Video. After revealing to his doctor that he had a girlfriend and had been kissing, the diagnosis was confirmed following relevant tests. The patient recovered quickly after treatment.
Infectious Mononucleosis (IM) is a contagious disease mainly caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which is transmitted through saliva contact, such as kissing, leading to its nickname, “kissing disease.” This virus can also be spread by sharing cups, utensils, and dishes with an infected person, or being exposed to their cough or sneeze.
Currently, there is no vaccine for the EBV. Most people are infected in childhood, often with mild or no symptoms. However, when contracted by adolescents or young adults, the disease can cause fever, sore throat, swollen neck lymph nodes, and fatigue. Preventative measures include not sharing personal items or engaging in close contact with infected individuals. Most patients recover on their own, generally within two to four weeks. Drinking plenty of fluids and getting adequate rest can help, and over-the-counter pain medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can also be used.
Doctors warn that although Infectious Mononucleosis generally runs its course and most patients have a positive outcome, it should not be underestimated due to possible complications such as liver injury, myocarditis, pneumonia, REYE syndrome, and hemophagocytic syndrome. The illness can often be misdiagnosed as tonsillitis or a liver disorder, leading to delays in correct treatment. It’s advised that if an individual experiences symptoms like fever and lymph node swelling, they should get medical help promptly. If these symptoms continue for a week or the reason behind the fever is unknown, a visit to an infectious disease specialist is recommended immediately. The disease shouldn’t be dismissed as a regular fever.
Comments from the public included: “One kiss was nearly fatal” “Could it be that the boy was Kim Soo-hyun (the actor playing Do Min-joon in You Who Came from the Stars)?” “The kiss became public knowledge” “I assumed this was only something that occurred in TV dramas, but it’s actually a real thing.”