Did you Know?
Cytomegalovirus, or CMV, is the most common infection leading to birth defects in the United States but it is less commonly known and even talked about during pre and post-natal care. Dr. David Soll, a gynecologist and obstetrician at Banner Health, says the virus is prevalent and symptoms can vary so much which makes diagnosis difficult. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over half of adults have been infected with CMV by age 40 and most show no signs or symptoms. Because the effects of this virus can be significant for mother and baby if contracted during pregnancy, however, Banner is raising awareness during CMV Awareness Month this month to educate our community on how to best avoid the hidden danger of CMV.
CMV is a common virus that belongs to the herpesvirus family. It is transmitted through bodily fluids such as saliva, blood, urine and breast milk. When CMV is transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy, it can lead to non-genetic hearing loss. In fact, about one out of every 200 babies born with a congenital CMV infection will have long-term health problems. “There is no universal testing but if the patient has the wherewithal that there may be an infection, they can test further,” Dr. Soll says. “Use of good hygiene should help decrease and prevent the infection.”
How do I know if I have CMV? What symptoms should I look out for?
Most children and adults who are infected with CMV don’t develop symptoms, but some may develop a fever, sore throat, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark urine and light-colored stools.
Typically, you won’t be tested for CMV unless you have concerning symptoms, or a prenatal ultrasound indicates a birth defect suggesting congenital CMV infection.
Symptoms of possible CMV infection in infants include:
yellowing of the skin
tiredness
poor sucking during feedings
seizures
hearing loss
enlargement of the spleen and liver
microcephaly (small head size)
being small for gestational age
Some babies with congenital CMV who don’t show signs of CMV may still have or develop hearing loss. Hearing loss may occur at birth or develop later.
What should I do if I’m pregnant and have CMV?
If you become infected with CMV during pregnancy and you aren’t immunocompromised, typically your health care provider will focus on supportive care, such as careful monitoring and frequent testing, and relieving symptoms. Other medications, like antivirals, are not recommended as they have not been shown to reduce the ability to pass the infection onto the fetus. Your provider can review specific recommendations to help with symptoms.
“Pregnant people with CMV should remember that while CMV can cause severe and life-threatening disease in infants, congenital CMV infection only affects 0.5 to 1.3% of all infants,” Dr. Volpe said. “Only 8 to 10% of newborns with symptomatic CMV infection have a severe or life-threatening disease. Thus, congenital CMV, and especially severe disease in infants, is not very common.”
Will my baby need to be tested after birth?
Your baby may require testing for CMV if they show signs and symptoms consistent with congenital CMV or have abnormal neuroimaging consistent with CMV.
“Urine and saliva samples can be submitted for viral culture or molecular testing to confirm the diagnosis of CMV infection,” Dr. Volpe said.
In addition, children with congenital CMV should have regular hearing and vision checks. Catching problems early on allows you to do interventions that can greatly benefit them in the long run.
Is there anything I can do to prevent CMV?
The great news is that CMV infection is potentially preventable. There are several measures you can take to reduce your risk of becoming infected with CMV during pregnancy.
Practice good hand hygiene. This is particularly important if you have a toddler at home or work in a school or daycare setting. Wash your hands often with soap and running water. This should be done especially after you’ve had close contact with young children, changed a diaper and handled toys, pacifiers or feeding utensils.
Avoid kissing children under the age of 6 on the face and mouth. You can give plenty of snuggles and kiss them on the top of the head while you’re pregnant.
Don’t share food, drink or toothbrushes with your little one. As tempting as it might be to finish off the food your toddler didn’t eat, stick to your own plate during pregnancy.
Regularly sanitize and clean surfaces that come in contact with urine or saliva from children.
Takeaway
Cytomegalovirus, or CMV, sounds frightening, but it is also a preventable virus. Most people with CMV infection have no symptoms and are unaware that they have been infected.
Talk to your health care provider if you have any questions or additional concerns.
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