Link Between Epstein-Barr Virus and Severe COVID-19 Reaction in Children

Researchers have identified a potential cause for the severe inflammatory condition known as Pims, which affects children post-COVID-19. This condition, presenting with symptoms like high fever, rashes, and heart failure, occurs four to eight weeks after infection.

The study indicates that reactivation of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), responsible for mononucleosis, is linked to this inflammatory shock. EBV-infected B cells and T cells were found in the blood of affected children.

An elevated level of TGFβ, a substance that inhibits immune cell function, was also detected. These findings suggest that COVID-19 disrupts the immune system's ability to control dormant EBV infections.

While the disease is severe, it is treatable, and most children recover fully. High population immunity and less stimulating virus variants have led to a decline in reported Pims cases since late 2022, though researchers believe many mild cases go unreported.