Cytomegalovirus (CMV)

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a very common infection. People with normal immune systems often have no symptoms. But the infection can cause serious problems in:

• people who are pregnant and pass it on to their baby
• those who have a weakened immune system

Around 1 in 2 people have been infected with CMV by early adulthood. By 40 years of age, more than 8 out of 10 people will have been infected with CMV.

Like other herpes viruses, CMV stays in your body and becomes 'latent'. It may reactivate later in life.

Reactivation can happen during pregnancy or when you have a weakened immune system. This may be due to medicines or a disease, like AIDS.

In people with a healthy immune system, CMV usually doesn't cause any symptoms.

If you do get symptoms with CMV, you may have:

• a fever
• a sore throat
• swollen glands
• tiredness

People with a weakened immune system often get a fever. They can become seriously ill.

Your immune system may be weak due to:

• HIV infection and AIDS
• chemotherapy
• taking medicines that suppress your immune system

Cytomegalovirus is a very common virus in the herpes virus family.

How is CMV spread?

CMV is transferred easily from person to person through body fluids. The virus can be found in:

• blood
• breast milk
• nasal mucous (snot)
• saliva
• semen
• urine (wee)
• vaginal secretions

CMV can be spread through:

• close physical contact — kissing and sex
• blood transfusions
• organ and cell transplants
• from mother to baby in the womb (Opens in new tab)

You should see your doctor if you have symptoms of cytomegalovirus and:

• you're pregnant
• you have a weakened immune system

Your doctor may arrange tests to find out if you have CMV.

CMV testing may be recommended if you are pregnant and have frequent contact with large numbers of young children.

Most people recover from CMV without any special treatment, just like when you have a cold.

If you have a weakened immune system, your doctor may prescribe antiviral medicines.

If you are pregnant and have CMV, see your doctor for advice.

If you become infected with CMV while you're pregnant (Opens in new tab), there is a chance that your unborn baby will also become infected. Once your baby is born your doctor will check to see if the infection has been passed to your baby.

Newborns can be given antiviral medicines. The earlier the treatment is started the better the outcome.

Most babies will be born healthy, but a few develop long-term problems. This is called congenital CMV. The most common problem is hearing loss. Other possible problems are:

• cerebral palsy
• developmental delay
• intellectual disability
• microcephaly (small head size) (Opens in new tab)
• vision loss

People with weakened immune systems may develop CMV infections of the:

• blood
• bowel
• central nervous system
• eyes
• kidneys
• liver
• lungs

The best way to prevent CMV when you are pregnant or trying to conceive is through good hand hygiene.

If you are pregnant and have contact with young children, the following tips may lower your chances of catching CMV:

• Avoid sharing food, utensils or toothbrushes.
• Wear gloves while changing nappies.
• Avoid contact with saliva — don't put your baby's dummy in your mouth.
• Clean toys and surfaces that might have been in contact with saliva or urine.

If you're at risk from CMV due to a weakened immune system, your doctor may prescribe antiviral medicines. There is no vaccine available to prevent CMV infection.

If you are worried about CMV, call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.