Scientists Discover New Evidence a Common Virus Helps Trigger MS

Summary: Have you ever heard of the "kissing disease"? Its real name is the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and almost all adults (about 95%) carry it. Scientists have found strong evidence that this common virus might actually trigger Multiple Sclerosis (MS). MS is a serious disease where your immune system gets confused and attacks your brain's nerve pathways.

After you get EBV, the virus doesn't leave. It hides inside your body—even in your brain cells—and goes to sleep. Years later, it can wake up. When it does, your body panics and sends out an army of "killer T cells" to fight the virus. But these cells can make a mistake and damage your own nerve shields instead. In fact, getting infected with EBV makes your risk of getting MS 32 times higher! Figuring out how to stop this sneaky virus could eventually help treat MS and other illnesses like long COVID and chronic fatigue.

For more details, see sciencealert at sciencealert.com/scientists-discover-new-evidence-a-common-virus-helps-trigger-ms (opens in new tab)