Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus that puts almost anyone at risk for infection. Once infected, that virus remains in the host’s body for life, though few are aware they have contracted CMV, because it rarely causes problems in healthy people.
Transmission:
CMV spreads from person to person through body fluids, such as blood, saliva, urine, semen and breast milk. According to the CDC, over half of adults have been infected with CMV by age 40. A woman who develops an active CMV infection during pregnancy can pass the virus to her baby, who might then experience signs and symptoms. There is no cure for the virus. However, medications can help treat newborns and people with weak immune systems.
Symptoms:
It is rare for healthy individuals to experience symptoms from CMV. However, those at greater risk, including infants, newborns and those with weakened immune systems, may experience symptoms. These may include:
- Premature birth
- Low birth weight
- Yellow skin and eyes (jaundice)
- Enlarged and poorly functioning liver
- Purple skin splotches or a rash or both
- Abnormally small head (microencephaly)
- Enlarged spleen
- Pneumonia
- Seizures
