Cytomegalovirus is the most common infectious cause of birth defects, yet few people know about its harmful effects.
What is CMV?
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus. More than 50% of adults in the US will have been infected by age 40. CMV is especially common in children; over 30% will have been infected by age 5. For most people, CMV is a silent virus, meaning that most who become infected with CMV do not have symptoms. However, some populations are at higher risk of experiencing complications, such as those with weakened immune systems or pregnant women.
Why are pregnant women at risk?
If a woman becomes infected with CMV during pregnancy, they can pass it to the fetus. This is known as congenital CMV (cCMV). In the US, one in 200 babies are born with cCMV every year. About 1 in 5 of these children will develop permanent problems from cCMV. These include symptoms such as hearing loss, seizures, and developmental disabilities or delays due to the infection. In severe cases, cCMV can result in stillbirth or infant death. Some babies born with cCMV will have no symptoms at birth, but will develop hearing loss or other symptoms later on in life.
Can I prevent cCMV?
Even though cCMV causes long-term health problems, many women do not know what CMV is and how it can affect their lives if they are pregnant or hoping to become pregnant. In fact, only 9% of women know about CMV (cmv.usu.edu/about/cmv-resources.cfm). The risk of becoming infected with CMV during pregnancy can be reduced by simple hygiene practices. Washing hands after contact with any body fluids, particularly saliva and urine of young children, avoiding sharing drinks, food, and eating utensils, and properly cleaning toys and other areas in the home will reduce the risk of contracting CMV.
How do I know if my child has cCMV?
Babies can be tested for cCMV by using a urine or saliva sample. cCMV testing is simple, painless, and time-sensitive. It is important that your baby is tested before they are 21 days old to be accurate for the detection of a cCMV infection. If they are tested after 21 days old, it becomes difficult to know if your baby was infected during pregnancy or acquired it after birth. Knowing if your baby was infected during or after pregnancy is important, as CMV infections during pregnancy can cause birth defects. This information also helps in knowing how to treat and care for your baby.
What if my child is born with cCMV?
If your child tests positive for cCMV, it is important to follow up with all recommended evaluations, as health problems such as hearing loss may be delayed. Additional evaluations for your baby include:
- Diagnostic audiological evaluation ASAP, if not done already, with frequent monitoring of hearing;
- Referral to an infectious disease physician;
- Referral to an ENT;
- Referral to a pediatric ophthalmologist;
- Referral to early intervention services.
Primary Children’s Hospital has a multi-disciplinary cCMV Clinic that offers consultations, evaluations, and treatment for cCMV. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 801-662-1705.
Where can I go to learn more about CMV?
cmv.utah.gov
nationalcmv.org
Or for more information email cmv@utah.gov
Guest article by Jacinda Merrill from DHHS
