Cytomegalovirus

Understanding Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus belonging to the herpesvirus family. Once a person is infected, the virus remains in the body for life in a dormant state and can reactivate. Most healthy individuals experience no symptoms or only mild illness, but CMV can cause serious complications in people with weakened immune systems and in babies infected before birth (congenital CMV). It spreads through body fluids such as saliva, urine, blood, semen, breast milk, and via organ or blood transplants.

Common Signs and Symptoms of CMV:

• General Symptoms (in healthy individuals): Often asymptomatic. When present, symptoms may resemble mononucleosis, including fever, fatigue, sore throat, and swollen glands2.
• Congenital CMV (babies infected before birth):
  • Some infants appear healthy at birth but may later develop hearing loss, vision problems, or developmental delays.
  • Others may show symptoms at birth, such as jaundice, low birth weight, enlarged liver/spleen, seizures, or microcephaly3.
• In People with Weakened Immune Systems (e.g., transplant recipients, HIV patients):
  • Severe complications can occur, including pneumonia, hepatitis, colitis, retinitis (which can cause blindness), and encephalitis3.
• Pregnancy-Related Risks:
  • If a pregnant person acquires CMV for the first time, the virus can cross the placenta and infect the fetus, leading to congenital CMV.
  • This is the most common infectious cause of birth defects in the United States.

This information is provided as a resource and is not intended to diagnose a condition or prescribe treatment. Please discuss any symptoms you may exhibit with your physician.