Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus in the human population. Most people contract CMV at some point in their lifetime. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that most healthy people experience no symptoms associated with CMV infection. A small percentage of adults who contract CMV do experience symptoms, which are usually mild. People with a weakened immune system, such as persons with HIV or those taking immunosuppressive medications, may experience more severe symptoms.
Fever
The medical reference text, "Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases," notes that CMV can cause a mononucleosis-like syndrome in adults. Fever is a prominent symptom of the illness. It typically persists for approximately 10 to 30 days, with most people experiencing resolution by day 20. Night sweats may accompany fever.
Sore Throat
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that sore throat may be a symptom of adult CMV infection. The sore throat is typically mild and resolves along with the fever.
Swollen Glands
Adult CMV infection may be associated with swollen glands, reports the Mayo Clinic. This is usually most noticeable where the lymph nodes are close to the skin surface, such as in the neck.
Muscle Aches
According to Medline Plus, acute infection with CMV may cause muscle aches and joint stiffness. These symptoms resolve in three to four weeks as the illness runs its course.
Fatigue
Adult CMV infection may cause fatigue, suggests the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In some individuals, mild fatigue may persist for several weeks after the fever breaks.
Malaise
The Mayo Clinic reports that adult CMV infection can cause malaise, a general sense of being unwell. This symptom usually accompanies fever and resolves after the fever breaks.
Loss of Appetite
Loss of appetite and an associated loss of weight may occur with acute CMV infection, notes Medline Plus. Weight loss is typically not substantial.
Jaundice
The authors of "Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases" note that CMV infection may cause a significant hepatitis, or liver inflammation, in a small percentage of patients. This development is often accompanied by jaundice, a yellowish tint to the skin, nail beds and whites of the eyes caused by a buildup of the chemical bilirubin.
Headache and Stiff Neck
Uncommonly, headache and stiff neck may accompany CMV infection, notes Medline Plus. The occurrence of these symptoms reflects involvement of the meninges in the infection. The meninges are the trilayered protective tissues that cover the spinal cord and brain.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Frequently Asked Question About CMV
- Mayo Clinic: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Infection, Symptoms
- Medline Plus: Acute Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Infection
- "Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases, Sixth Edition"; Gerald L. Mandell, M.D., et al; 2004
