Virus called cmv

Rarely, CMV causes a healthy adult to develop mononucleosis. Other rare complications for healthy adults include problems with the digestive system, liver, brain and nervous system. An infant whose mother first became infected with CMV during pregnancy is more likely to experience complications. Complications for the baby can include:. Careful hygiene is the best prevention against CMV.

You can take these precautions:. If you have weakened immunity, you may benefit from taking antiviral medication to prevent CMV disease. Experimental vaccines are being tested for women of childbearing age. These vaccines may be useful in preventing CMV infection in mothers and infants, and reducing the chance that babies born to women who are infected while pregnant will develop disabilities.

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This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Cytomegalovirus CMV is a common virus. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Bennett JE, et al. Cytomegalovirus CMV. Elsevier; Accessed Jan. Goldman L, et al. You should complete any recommended follow-up testing as soon as possible. Babies with this condition may develop health problems if they are not diagnosed and treated.

False-positive screening results for CMV can and do happen. The screening results can be affected if the saliva sample was taken from the baby too soon after breast feeding. Newborn screening helps babies lead healthier lives. If your baby has a positive CMV result, follow up with your health care provider quickly. It is important to follow their instructions. Most babies with CMV will have no health problems and will never need any treatment. Your baby may need to get treatment if they start to experience symptoms.

If your baby is not showing signs or symptoms, close follow-up is important. Careful monitoring and early treatment if needed will help your baby stay as healthy as possible. About 1 out of 10 babies with CMV will have signs and symptoms at birth. The most common health problem in babies with CMV is hearing loss. Some babies without signs of CMV infection at birth may have hearing loss.

Hearing loss may develop later, even in babies who have passed the newborn hearing test. A pregnant woman can pass CMV to her unborn baby.

If a mother is infected with CMV for the first time during pregnancy called a primary infection , the chance of transmission to the baby is the highest.

These babies are also more likely to have symptoms at birth, especially if they are infected in the first trimester. Treatment weakens the virus and reduces the chance of serious problems, but it does not cure the CMV infection. Babies born with congenital CMV may have tests to check their kidneys, liver, brain, eyes and hearing, and regular follow-up appointments until they're around age 5.

Pregnant women who work closely with children or already have a young family are more at risk of getting CMV. Page last reviewed: 13 October Next review due: 13 October Cytomegalovirus CMV. What is cytomegalovirus CMV?