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:
CMV passes from person to person through bodily fluids. Examples include:
CMV is very common in the US. Everyone has a risk of getting it. Your risk is higher if:
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:
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.
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.
To help lower your chances of CMV infection:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
IDSA—Infectious Diseases Society of America
Herpes Guide
Public Health Agency of Canada
Cytomegalovirus. Family Doctor—American Association of Family Physicians website. Available at: http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/cytomegalovirus.html. Updated July 2013. Accessed May 14, 2018.
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and congenital CMV infection. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/cmv/index.html. Updated June 5, 2017. Accessed May 14, 2018.
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in immunocompetent patients. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T906245/Cytomegalovirus-CMV-infection-in-immun...mpetent-patients. Updated May 10, 2018. Accessed May 14, 2018.
Last reviewed May 2018 by David L. Horn, MD, FACP
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.