Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is found all over the world. It is related to the viruses that cause chickenpox and infectious mononucleosis (mono).
- Common: between 50% and 80% of adults in the United States have had CMV by age 40.
- Lifelong: once CMV is in your body, it stays there for life.
How it spreads and who's at risk
CMV spreads through close contact with body fluids. Most people who have it don't get sick and don't know they were infected. It can be serious for:
- babies;
- people with weak immune systems.
In pregnancy
A woman who gets CMV while pregnant can pass it to her baby. Usually the baby has no health problems, but some babies develop lifelong disabilities.
Testing and treatment
- A blood test can show whether a person has ever been infected.
- Most people with CMV need no treatment.
- With a weakened immune system, your doctor may prescribe antiviral medicine.
Prevention
Good hygiene, including proper hand washing, may help prevent infection.
Sources
Based on "Cytomegalovirus Infections," MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, drawing on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; a work of the United States government in the public domain.
Licence: CC0 1.0 (public domain) · Adapted from medlineplus.gov
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