Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus that is usually harmless. Sometimes it causes problems in babies if you catch it during pregnancy (congenital CMV).
What is CMV?
CMV is similar to the herpes virus that causes cold sores and chickenpox.
Once you have the virus, it stays in your body for the rest of your life.
Your immune system usually controls the virus and most people do not realise they have it.
How CMV is spread
CMV is mainly spread through close contact with someone who already has CMV. It can be passed on through body fluids including saliva, blood and urine.
CMV can only be passed on when it is "active". This is when:
- you catch the virus for the first time – young children often get CMV for the first time at nursery
- the virus has "re-activated" – because you have a weakened immune system
- you've been re-infected – with a different type (strain) of CMV
Pregnant women can pass an "active" CMV infection on to their unborn baby. This is known as congenital CMV.
CMV does not always cause symptoms
Some people get flu-like symptoms the first time they catch CMV, including:
- a high temperature of 38C or more
- aching muscles
- tiredness
- feeling sick
- sore throat
- swollen glands
If you do have symptoms, they normally get better on their own within about 3 weeks.
Non-urgent advice: See a GP if you have flu-like symptoms and:
- you're pregnant
- you have a weakened immune system – for example, because you're having chemotherapy
If your GP is worried about your or your babies' health they can arrange tests to find out what's causing your symptoms.
How CMV is treated
CMV that is not causing symptoms does not need any treatment.
There's currently no treatment for CMV in pregnancy and in most cases the virus does not cause any problems for your baby.
Antiviral medicine can be used to treat:
- babies diagnosed with congenital CMV after they are born
- people with a weakened immune system
Treatment should help to weaken the virus and reduce the chance of serious problems – but it does not cure CMV infection.
Babies born with congenital CMV need to stay in hospital until the antiviral treatment finishes.
How to reduce the risk of CMV in pregnancy
The best way to reduce the risk of catching CMV during pregnancy is with some simple hygiene measures:
- wash your hands using soap and hot water – especially after changing nappies, feeding young children or wiping their nose
- regularly wash toys or other items that get young children's saliva or urine on them
- avoid sharing food, cutlery, drinking glasses or dummies with young children
There's currently no vaccine for CMV.
Important
Pregnant women who work closely with children or already have a young family are more at risk of catching CMV.
If you'd like to know more about CMV, you might find these links useful:
UK charity CMV Action provides help and support if you or your child are diagnosed with CMV
Page last reviewed: 1 September 2017
Next review due: 1 September 2020