Atypical Epstein-Barr-virus infection in a 5-year-old girl

Primary Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection is often asymptomatic before five years of age, whereas it is more likely to be symptomatic in older children, adolescents and young adults. The classic triad of symptoms including fever, pharyngitis and lymphadenopathy is well known, but the spectrum of clinical manifestations associated with EBV infection is large and continues to expand, including increasing atypical presentations. This article presents the case of a five-year-old female in which only a protracted and severe itch, resistant to anti-histamines, caught the attention of the girl's parents, thus allowing the diagnosis of EBV. Furthermore, EBV related splenomegaly and mild hepatitis as well as thrombocytopenia had an atypical prolonged course.