Cytomegalovirus (sy·toe·MEG·a·low·vy·rus), or CMV, is a common virus that is generally harmless to people with healthy immune systems. In fact, most people have been exposed to CMV at some point in their lives without realizing it. Learn more about CMV, its symptoms, how it is transmitted, and how to talk to your doctor about CMV.
Cytomegalovirus (sy·toe·MEG·a·low·vy·rus) or CMV, is a member of the herpesvirus family. Coming into contact with the CMV virus is a common occurrence and is typically harmless to the general population.
Pregnancy… quite possibly one of the most significant, exciting health experiences that a woman can have, but also one that can cause anxiety, stress, and concern for the welfare of her unborn baby.
Transmission of CMV is very rare through casual contact. CMV is spread from one person to another, usually by direct and prolonged contact with bodily fluids, including saliva, urine, and breast milk.
Most children and adults who contract CMV will not experience any symptoms and may not even know that they have been infected. Others may develop a mild illness, or may have any of the following symptoms.
CMV is very common among healthy children one to three years of age who are at high risk for contracting CMV or other viruses from their peers. Learn how to practice standard prevention methods to mitigate the risk of acquiring CMV during pregnancy.
CMV before and during pregnancy can present a critical problem for babies who are infected in utero. If you experience symptoms or think you may have an active infection, ask your doctor for an IgG vs. IgM antibody test.
Congenital CMV refers to babies who are born with CMV infection, affecting 30,000 children annually. Screening newborns for congenital CMV is an unmet need and consensus towards a preferred standard of care is necessary.
Babies born with congenital CMV can have widely diverse outcomes, and it is difficult to predict with any degree of certainty their future health or developmental prognosis.
If your baby was born with congenital CMV and you could like more information about antiviral treatments, speak with your child's pediatrician or pediatric infectious disease specialist.
There is no CMV vaccine available to prevent congenital CMV. Many experts believe that a CMV vaccine is possible within the next 10 to 20 years, but a CMV vaccine is unlikely to occur without a significant increase in awareness.