CMV is a common virus, especially in babies and young children. It's only carried by humans, not other animals. CCMV is one of the viruses in the herpes virus family.
Viruses from this family cause chickenpox , cold sores and glandular fever. All of these viruses, including CMV, can stay alive though inactive in your body for many years after you first become infected. CMV is transmitted from person to person through contact with body fluids, such as saliva, nasal mucous, urine, vaginal secretions, semen and breast milk. Some women pick up CMV while pregnant. It is also possible to get CMV from having sex, a blood transfusion or an organ transplant.
Unborn babies can get CMV from their mothers while in the womb. Very occasionally, babies can get infected with CMV during breastfeeding. CMV usually doesn't cause any noticeable symptoms. However, in some people, it can cause mild symptoms similar to those of glandular fever, such as fever, swollen glands, and a cough or cold.
CMV can cause serious illness in people who are infected with HIV or who are having chemotherapy for cancer. But most people never find out they have CMV infection, or have had it before. This is called congenital CMV. There is a test for CMV infection. CMV testing should be offered to women who come into frequent contact with large numbers of very young children eg child care workers.
Even if you don't have any symptoms, you can talk to your doctor about CMV testing if you have any concerns. But some babies with CMV may be born with a disability, such as poor hearing or vision, or intellectual impairment. By the age of five years, one in three children has been infected with CMV, but usually does not have symptoms.
A woman who is infected with CMV can pass the virus to her developing baby during pregnancy. As a parent of a young child or a childcare provider, you may be able to lessen your risk of getting CMV by reducing contact with saliva and urine from babies and young children.
The saliva and urine of children with CMV have high amounts of the virus. Also, you should wash your hands after changing diapers. These cannot eliminate your risk of getting CMV but may lessen the chances of getting it. These specimens must be collected for testing within two to three weeks after the baby is born in order to confirm a diagnosis of congenital CMV infection.
For babies with signs of congenital CMV infection at birth, antiviral medications, primarily valganciclovir, may improve hearing and developmental outcomes. These services help ensure they develop language, social, and communication skills. The earlier your child can get hearing checks and therapies, the more he or she can benefit from them.
Download the print version and share pdf icon [1 page]. Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link. Section Navigation. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Syndicate. Minus Related Pages. For pregnant women You can pass CMV to your baby If you are pregnant and have CMV, the virus in your blood can cross through your placenta and infect your developing baby.
You may be able to reduce your risk You may be able to lessen your risk of getting CMV by reducing contact with saliva and urine from babies and young children. For parents About 1 out of every babies is born with congenital CMV. Sometimes it causes problems in babies if you get it during pregnancy congenital CMV. CMV is related to the herpes virus that causes cold sores and chickenpox. But CMV can cause serious health problems in some babies who get the virus before birth, and in people who have a weakened immune system.
It can be passed on through sexual contact and contact with other body fluids including saliva, blood, breast milk, tears, pee and poo. Pregnant women can pass an "active" CMV infection on to their unborn baby.
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