Basic Information about CMV

• If you are currently pregnant or planning a future pregnancy, ask your physician about CMV and its effects on pregnancy.
  
• CMV is a widely common virus, and most women have already been exposed to it by the time they reach adulthood and have the antibodies to the virus in their system. However, those women who have not been exposed are at the greatest risk for contracting CMV during pregnancy.
  
• CMV is easily prevented by practicing good hygiene while pregnant. Handwashing after handling or playing with babies and small children is important, in addition to not sharing utensils or drinks and not kissing babies and small children on the mouth or face.
  
• CMV is spread through saliva, urine, tears, blood, mucus, and other bodily fluids.
  
• Infants, toddlers and children commonly get CMV and can pass the virus to unsuspecting daycare workers, teachers, mothers or anyone who works with or comes into contact with small children.
  
• A person with CMV can have no symptoms at all with a "silent" infection or it can manifest itself as a cold/flu/mono type illness, lasting approximately 7 days with varying symptoms.
  
• Infants who contract CMV in utero are at serious risk for brain malformations, which can lead to developmental disabilities, such as deafness, blindness, cerebral palsy, mental and/or physical retardation, even death.
  
  

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