Cytomegalovirus Infections Summary Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a virus found around the world. It is related to the viruses that cause chickenpox and infectious mononucleosis (mono). Between 50 percent and 80 percent of adults in the United States have had a CMV infection by age 40. Once CMV is in a person’s body, it stays there for life. CMV is spread through close contact with body fluids. Most people with CMV don’t get sick and don’t know that they’ve been infected. But infection with the virus can be serious in babies and people with weak immune systems. If a woman gets CMV when she is pregnant, she can pass it on to her baby. Usually the babies do not have health problems. But some babies can develop lifelong disabilities. A blood test can tell whether a person has ever been infected with CMV. Most people with CMV don’t need treatment. If you have a weakened immune system, your doctor may prescribe antiviral medicine. Good hygiene, including proper hand washing, may help prevent infections. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Array Acute cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection CMV – gastroenteritis/colitis CMV – pneumonia CMV serology test Cytomegalovirus retinitis Find an Expert Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Centers for Disease Control and Prevention March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Clinical Trials ClinicalTrials.gov: Cytomegalovirus Infections National Institutes of Health Diagnosis and Tests CMV American Association for Clinical Chemistry Testing and Diagnosis of CMV Infection Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Children Congenital CMV Infection Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Cytomegalovirus (For Parents) Nemours Foundation Statistics and Research Congenital CMV Infection Trends and Statistics Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Encyclopedia Congenital cytomegalovirus Start Here Cytomegalovirus American Academy of Family Physicians Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Infection Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Related Issues Cytomegalovirus (CMV) New Mexico AIDS Education and Training Center Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Congenital CMV Infection: People Who Care for Infants and Children Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Congenital CMV Infection: People with Weakened Immune Systems Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Congenital CMV Infection: Transmission Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Infection: A Guide for Patients and Families After Stem Cell Transplant National Institutes of Health, Clinical Center Neurological Consequences of Cytomegalovirus Infection National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Prevention and Risk Factors Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Congenital CMV Infection: Prevention Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Women Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Pregnancy Organization of Teratology Information Specialists Cytomegalovirus: Protect Your Baby Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Journal Articles Cytomegalovirus Infections
