Definition

CMV is a type of herpes virus. It can cause serious illness in those with weak immune systems. Healthy people may not become ill but they can pass CMV to others.

CMV can cause:

  • Primary infection—first time your body sees the virus
  • Reactivated infection—virus is already in your body and becomes active again

The Lymphatic Organs

The Lymphatic Organs
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Causes

CMV passes from person to person through bodily fluids. Examples include:

  • Kissing
  • Sexual contact
  • Breastfeeding
  • Changing the diaper of an infected infant

Risk

CMV is very common in the US. Everyone has a risk of getting it. Your risk is higher if:

  • Your child is in day care and preschool
  • You work with children in day care or preschool
  • You have a weaker immune system common with:

Symptoms

Infection with CMV may cause no symptoms. This is more likely in people with a normal immune system.

When symptoms are present they may include:

People with weaker immune systems may have more severe symptoms such as:

  • Diarrhea
  • Pneumonia
  • Inflammation of the large intestines with ulcers and bleeding—colitis
  • An eye infection that can cause blindness—retinitis
  • Infection of the liver—hepatitis
  • Infection of the brain that can result in seizures or coma—encephalitis

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. Your doctor may suspect CMV based on your symptoms.

Blood tests can confirm CMV. Saliva test will be needed for infants.

Treatment

CMV will often go away on its own if you have a normal immune system.

Antiviral medicine are used to treat severe infections. The exact type of treatment will depend on how severe the infection. The involved organs will also pay a role. The medicine may be given by pill, or passed into your blood through IV. The length of treatment can also vary.

Prevention

To help lower your chances of CMV infection:

  • Practice safe sex.
  • When caring for children:
    • Avoid touching bodily fluids. Use barriers like gloves.
    • Wash your handsoften. Wash your hands after any diaper change.