CMV (cytomegalo virus), is a virus which belongs to the herpes virus family. It is found in all socioeconomic classes. This family of viruses include the herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2 varicella-zoster virus (the virus which causes chicken pox)and the Epstein-Barr virus (which causes mononucleosis). All of these viruses can remain in the body for a long period of time without becoming infectious, and causing illness. The CMV virus is transmitted via bodily fluids (urine, saliva, blood, tears, semen, and rarely via breast milk). This virus is transmitted from individuals who are already infected with the virus. It may also be transmitted in utero, via transplanted organs and sometimes through blood transfusions. There may be no symptoms or signs exhibiting that an individual has been exposed.
Why should pregnant women be concerned?
Since most women have no symptoms when they are infected with CMV there is great concern that many pregnant women may not know that they have this disease. This puts their developing baby at a risk for developing congenital CMV disease. If developing babies are infected by their mothers at birth they may be born with an enlarged liver and spleen, have jaundice and may even die. However, treatment is available to help these infants survive. But still, they may have complications within their first years of life such as deafness, blindness, and mild retardation. Infected infants who are born without symptoms at birth may also have mild to moderate degrees of hearing and vision problems. If an infant is infected during delivery from vaginal secretions or later in infancy via breast milk this may result in mild or no illness at all in the infant.
How Can I Protect My Unborn Child From CMV?
Good hand washing, and good personal hygiene throughout your entire pregnancy is a must! If you are someone who works in a day care or daycare where you will be changing diapers frequently you must make sure you wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water. If you are a mother who has symptoms which may indicate signs of mononucleosis (fever, chills, tiredness, sore throat, etc) please go get tested for CMV and talk to your doctor about potential risks to your unborn child. If you are infected with CMV and you have plans of breast feeding your baby, please remember that the transmission of CMV via breast milk is small. Therefore, go ahead and breast feed because breast milk is the best for your new baby.
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