The detection of stealth viruses has opened new opportunities for the clinical and laboratory management of patients variously diagnosed as having CFS and other dysfunctional brain illnesses. Further understanding of the mechanisms of stealth virus induced cellular damage should greatly facilitate the development of effective therapies. Efforts are underway to isolate, characterize and evaluate the anti-viral activity of Epione. Approaches are also suggested to help prevent the spread of infection and to avoid aggravating an existing infection. The clinical diagnosis of multi-system stealth virus infection with encephalopathy (MSVIE) better defines this illness than terms which restrict attention to a single symptom or single organ involvement.