Explore the recorded discovery and history of Epstein-Barr virus, with source links and stated limits.
CDC describes Epstein-Barr virus, also known as human herpesvirus 4, as one of the most common human viruses in the world, spread mainly through saliva. Most people are infected in their lifetime, often in childhood and without symptoms. After infection the virus becomes latent in the body and can reactivate.
The IARC monograph records that EBV was identified in 1964 by Epstein's group in a cell line derived from Burkitt lymphoma, citing Epstein, Achong and Barr's report of virus particles in cultured lymphoblasts. It was the first isolated human tumour virus.
An IARC Working Group evaluated Epstein-Barr virus in 1997; the current monograph incorporates data that became available since then. An IARC evaluation classifies evidence about an agent, it does not describe an outbreak or a case.
The 1964 identification came from a cultured cell line, not from tracing a first patient. EBV infects most people worldwide, so no first human case or geographic origin can be assigned from these records.
Source check: 2026-09-19. Educational content; independent scientific review remains pending.