A college student presents with fatigue, sore throat, and swollen cervical lymph nodes. Laboratory tests were positive for Epstein- Barr viral capsid antigen (VCA) IgM, but negative for Epstein-Barr viral capsid antigen (VCA) IgG. Which statement describes the client's current infection status?

The client has a past Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection that is now inactive.

The client has a bacterial pharyngitis unrelated to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).

The client is immune to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and no treatment is needed.

The client is in the early acute phase of infectious mononucleosis caused by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).