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Symptoms -

While most healthy people don't experience symptoms, there are certain individuals who are more likely to experience signs and symptoms of CMV.

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Symptoms in babies -

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.

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Possible symptoms in newborns -

Babies who have CMV and who are sick at birth might have an abnormally small head, enlarged spleen, seizures, or even rashes.

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People who have weakened immunity -

People with weakened immunity might experience serious problems that affect their eyes, liver, intestines, lungs, or brain.

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Healthy adults -

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.

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When to see a doctor -

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.

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Rest if you're otherwise healthy -

If you're experiencing any mild, generalized symptoms, getting plenty of rest should be enough for your body to control the infection.

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When your child should see a doctor -

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.

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Causes -

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.

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It spreads through body fluids -

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.

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Common ways it's transmitted -

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.

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Other causes -

CMV can also be a complication from organ, bone marrow, or stem cell transplantation or blood transfusions.

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During pregnancies -

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.

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Risk factors -

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.

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Complications -

Complications can vary, depending on your overall health and when you were infected.

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Complications if you have weakened immunity -

Complications of CMV can include vision loss due to inflammation, pneumonia, and problems with the digestive or nervous system.

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Infants who have CMV -

Complications for babies can include seizures, lack of coordination, vision problems, or muscle weakness.

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Prevention -

Careful hygiene is the best prevention method against CMV, and there are several things you can do.

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Avoid contact with tears and saliva when you kiss a child -

If you want to kiss your child, do so on the forehead. This is especially important if you're pregnant.

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Wash your hands often -

Use soap and water for 15 to 20 seconds. This is especially important if your children attend childcare services.

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Be careful with disposable items -

When disposing of diapers, tissues, and other items that have been contaminated with bodily fluids, wash your hands thoroughly.

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Avoid sharing food or drinking out of the same glass as others -

Sharing glasses and kitchen utensils can spread CMV. So whatever you do, don't share your stuff.

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Clean toys and countertops -

Clean any surfaces that might have been in contact with bodily fluids, such as children's urine or saliva.

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Practice safe sex -

Wear a condom or other similar protection during sexual contact to prevent spreading CMV through both male and female fluids.

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Diagnosis -

The most common way to test adults for CMV is by taking a blood sample from a vein in your arm.

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Diagnosis for babies -

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.

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Treatment -

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.

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For mild cases -

In a healthy person, bed rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and medical supervision are all that is generally required.

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There is no vaccine for CMV -

There is currently no vaccine to protect against congenital cytomegalovirus.

Sources: (Mayo Clinic) (CDC) (Boston Children's Hospital)

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