A crippling and life-threatening disease
A few babies who have CMV appear healthy at birth, but might develop signs over time. The most common signs are hearing loss and developmental delay.
When disposing of diapers, tissues, and other items that have been contaminated with bodily fluids, wash your hands thoroughly.
Sharing glasses and kitchen utensils can spread CMV. So whatever you do, don't share your stuff.
Someone who's pregnant and infected can pass the virus to the baby before or during birth. The risk of transmitting the virus is higher if you become infected for the first time during pregnancy.
If you want to kiss your child, do so on the forehead. This is especially important if you're pregnant.
Complications can vary, depending on your overall health and when you were infected.
When the virus is active, you can pass it to other people. CMV is spread through body fluids, including blood, urine, saliva, breast milk, tears, and semen. Casual contact doesn't transmit it.
CMV is related to the viruses that cause chickenpox, herpes simplex virus, and mononucleosis. It may cycle through periods when it lies dormant and then reactivates.
Clean any surfaces that might have been in contact with bodily fluids, such as children's urine or saliva.
The most common way to test adults for CMV is by taking a blood sample from a vein in your arm.
In a healthy person, bed rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and medical supervision are all that is generally required.
However, blood is not the best fluid to test newborns and babies who are suspected to have a CMV infection. Tests of saliva or urine are the preferred method.
Most healthy people experience few if any symptoms. In the case they do, symptoms are similar to infectious mononucleosis, such as fatigue, fever, sore throat, and muscle aches.
Healthcare providers usually only treat CMV with antiviral medication in people who have a compromised immune system or babies. And while there's no cure, the medications can help alleviate the symptoms.
Babies who have CMV and who are sick at birth might have an abnormally small head, enlarged spleen, seizures, or even rashes.
Careful hygiene is the best prevention method against CMV, and there are several things you can do.
CMV can also be a complication from organ, bone marrow, or stem cell transplantation or blood transfusions.
If you're experiencing any mild, generalized symptoms, getting plenty of rest should be enough for your body to control the infection.
People with weakened immunity might experience serious problems that affect their eyes, liver, intestines, lungs, or brain.
Complications for babies can include seizures, lack of coordination, vision problems, or muscle weakness.
CMV is a common virus that can infect almost anyone. Over half of adults have been infected with CMV by age 40, most with no signs or symptoms.
Wear a condom or other similar protection during sexual contact to prevent spreading CMV through both male and female fluids.
While most healthy people don't experience symptoms, there are certain individuals who are more likely to experience signs and symptoms of CMV.
Use soap and water for 15 to 20 seconds. This is especially important if your children attend childcare services.
There is currently no vaccine to protect against congenital cytomegalovirus.
Sources: (Mayo Clinic) (CDC) (Boston Children's Hospital)
Complications of CMV can include vision loss due to inflammation, pneumonia, and problems with the digestive or nervous system.
CMV can also be transmitted when touching your eyes or the inside of your nose or mouth after coming into contact with the body fluids of an infected person.
See a doctor if you have a weakened immune system and if you're experiencing symptoms of CMV infection. For people who have weakened immune systems, CMV can even be fatal.
If you know you were infected with CMV during pregnancy, tell your baby's doctor. They will assess your baby for hearing or vision problems.
So, what is CMV, really? And how can it be prevented? Click on to find out.
Virus alert: the symptoms and causes of congenital cytomegalovirus
Here's everything you need to know about CMV
HEALTH Medical conditions
Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus that can affect anyone. And once infected, your body retains the virus for life. However, most people don't know they have CMV because it rarely causes problems in healthy people. On the other hand, if you're pregnant or suffer from a weakened immune system, CMV can be a serious concern. And when the virus is developed during pregnancy, it can be passed on to the baby, who might then experience symptoms.
So, what is CMV, really? And how can it be prevented? Click on to find out.