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Cytomegalovirus Prevention
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus. Most healthy people do not know that they have had a CMV infection because it usually does not cause any symptoms. However, if you get CMV during pregnancy are pregnant, you can pass it to your growing fetus without knowing.
When a baby is born with CMV, it is called congenital CMV (cCMV). Congenital CMV can be serious and may harm the brain eyes, or inner ears of some babies. About 1 out of every 5 babies with cCMV will be born with or develop lifelong health concerns.
How is CMV transmitted?
CMV is spread through contact with bodily fluids, such as urine and saliva. Young children often get CMV from other kids and can pass it to their parents or caregivers. High amounts of CMV can stay in a child's saliva and urine for months after infection. Children can pass the virus to others, including their parents and caregivers, even if they don't seem sick. People who are around young children a lot have a higher chance of getting CMV.
How can a person reduce the risk of getting CMV?
Not all CMV infections can be prevented. However, you can lower your chance of getting CMV by reducing contact with saliva and urine from babies and young children. This is especially important if you are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant.
Follow these tips to reduce your risk of getting CMV:
- Wash your hands with soap and water often, especially after wiping a child’s nose or mouth and changing diapers.
- Try to avoid contact with saliva by kissing a child on the forehead instead of on the lips.
- Try to avoid sharing food, drinks, or eating utensils with young children.
- Avoid putting things in your mouth that have just been in a child’s mouth, such as a pacifier or toothbrush.
Discuss CMV with your health care provider if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Is there a vaccine for CMV?
There is no approved vaccine to prevent CMV infection. However, there are several CMV vaccines in the development stage, including some that have the goal of preventing cCMV. It will likely be several years before an effective CMV vaccine is available for use in the United States.