glandular fever

an infectious viral disease caused by the EPSTEIN - BARR VIRUS . It produces a sore throat and swelling in neck LYMPH NODES (also those in the armpits and groin). Other symptoms include headache, fever and a loss of appetite. The LIVER may be affected, and the SPLEEN may become enlarged or even ruptured and then requires surgery. The disease is diagnosed by the large number of MONOCYTES in the blood, and although complications tend to be rare, total recovery may take many weeks.