What is Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
A cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is a condition caused by a common virus. The CMV virus stays in the body for life after infection. Most people who are infected with CMV have no symptoms and do not know they are infected.
CMV infection during pregnancy, called congenital CMV, is a leading cause of birth anomalies* and developmental disabilities in children, including hearing loss, vision loss, and other health problems. CMV spreads easily and often has no symptoms.
In Oregon, about 225 babies are born with CMV each year.
*Birth anomalies are sometimes known as birth defects.
From bodily fluids, including:
- Pregnant people are often exposed to CMV by caring for babies and young children with CMV who may only have cold-like symptoms or no symptoms at all.
- Pregnant people can pass CMV to their unborn baby if they are newly infected or have a reactivation of a prior infection during pregnancy
- Wash hands often with soap and water, especially after changing diapers, wiping noses or drool, or touching objects that have been drooled on.
- Avoid sharing food, drinks, and toothbrushes, or putting a child’s utensils, straws, or pacifier in your mouth.
- If you are pregnant, kiss you child(ren) on the head or cheek to avoid contact with saliva.
- Clean and disinfect surface areas and toys regularly
Most babies do not have signs at birth and will grow and develop typically. Some babies can have permanent hearing loss. It can be present at birth or develop later in childhood.
Some babies can have other signs at birth, but may be hard to detect:
- These babies can have serious and permanent health problems with their brain, eyes and/or inner ears.
- Some babies may be born too small, have a small head (microcephaly), yellowed skin (jaundice), a skin rash (petechiae), or an enlarged liver or spleen.
If you are concerned that your newborn baby may have been exposed to CMV, or is showing signs, ask your child’s doctor, midwife or nurse about testing and treatment.
Ask for a CMV test if you are concerned that your baby may have CMV.
Babies born in Oregon are not routinely tested for CMV but if you are concerned about CMV, talk to your baby’s medical team about testing. Testing should be done before your baby is 21 days of age to make the diagnosis. If your baby is older than 21 days and you have concerns, please talk to your baby’s medical team.