Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a member of the herpesvirus family and is best known as the cause of infectious mononucleosis (“mono”). Mono typically occurs in adolescents and young adults, but EBV can infect people of all ages. After primary infection, EBV establish lifelong latent infections in B cells. In most people, EBV causes no symptoms or only mild ones. However, EBV has been linked to several types of cancer, including Hodgkin lymphoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
While cats can be infected with EBV, there is no evidence that they can transmit the virus to humans. In fact, it is believed that cats acquire EBV from infected humans. Therefore, if you have mono or are otherwise infected with EBV, it is important to take precautions to avoid spreading the virus to your feline friend.