HOUSTON – Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo says she has been diagnosed with infectious mononucleosis, commonly known as mono, after weeks of dealing with a lingering sore throat and extreme fatigue.
Hidalgo shared the diagnosis Friday morning, saying she received confirmation from lab results after extensive testing initially pointed to exhaustion.
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“I’ve been dealing with a lingering sore throat and intense fatigue,” Hidalgo said in a statement. “The only treatment for mono is rest.”
Earlier Thursday, Hidalgo attended Harris County Commissioners Court but said she was unable to remain for the entire meeting because she wasn’t feeling well. She also said she wore a K95 mask during the meeting.
According to Hidalgo, her doctor advised her to rest to help ensure a full recovery and prevent the illness from becoming more serious.
She acknowledged that she had continued interacting with community members before learning she had mono because she believed her symptoms were caused by exhaustion.
“Thankfully, mono is not spread through casual contact,” Hidalgo said.
Judge says she’ll remain available during recovery
Hidalgo said she expects to be less visible in the community over the next several weeks while recovering but emphasized that county operations will continue.
“My team will represent me when necessary,” she said. “I remain fully available and reachable, especially in the event of an emergency.”
She added that while her stamina may be limited, she has a team of professionals to assist with county business and pledged to be transparent if her illness affects her ability to perform her duties.
Hidalgo said she expects to return to her normal schedule after a few weeks of limited engagements.
What is mono?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, infectious mononucleosis is most commonly caused by the Epstein-Barr virus.
Symptoms can include:
- Extreme fatigue
- Sore throat
- Fever
- Headaches and body aches
- Swollen lymph nodes
- An enlarged liver or spleen
- Rash
The CDC says most people recover within four to six weeks. Mono is spread primarily through saliva and is not easily transmitted through casual contact. Health officials recommend avoiding sharing drinks, food and personal items, such as toothbrushes, with others.
Those experiencing symptoms should contact their health care provider for evaluation.