From birth to early childhood, parents worry about many health and medical issues worry their children could catch. Things like colds, chicken pox and allergies are common. But some infections can stay dormant in the body and not show signs unless a compromised immune system is present. Such is the case with CMV, or cytomegalovirus.
Definition
According to Kidshealth.org, CMV stands for cytomegalovirus, a virus which is part of the herpes family. CMV can be inactive for a period of time or have symptoms that appear for a short period of time, as with mononucleosis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that between 50 and 85 percent of people in the U.S. have had a CMV infection by the age of 40.
Transmission
CMV can be transmitted from a mother to a baby during pregnancy and is a common congenital viral infection. It is found in body fluids such as saliva, urine and breast milk. CMV is only transmitted from person-to-person contact and can be passed on even if the carrier is not experiencing symptoms. Any close contact that allows body fluids to be shared can transmit CMV, so it is often spread in families at home, day-care centers and hand-to-mouth contact with body fluids.
Symptoms
The symptoms of CMV infection vary based on the immune system status, age of the child and how the child was infected. If a child was infected before birth, there normally aren't any symptoms after birth, but the child could develop developmental, vision, hearing or neurological problems over time. Rarely, there are symptoms at birth, such as being small for gestational age or premature birth. Children who contract CMV during or after birth often show no symptoms but can develop pneumonia. Young children who become infected may have pneumonia, a rash or hepatitis. Often, the children exhibit mononucleosis symptoms.
Treatment
The Cincinnati Children's Hospital says that most CMV infections do not require treatment above and beyond acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve the fever or pain associated with sore throats and headaches. In the case of a weakened immune system, an anti-viral medicine can be given. Some newborns may be given this at birth. Any additional treatment is determined by the extent of the disease, the child's tolerance for medications and therapies and the parent's preference. Medical professionals are conducting research to see if additional anti-viral drugs may be effective treatments.
Considerations
Most people with CMV do not show symptoms, but symptoms may not appear until three to 12 weeks after exposure and infection. To diagnose a serious CMV infection, doctors can take a culture from the throat, blood, urine or other body tissues. Personal hygiene, like washing hands and not sharing utensils with children, is helpful in preventing the spread of CMV. There is no vaccine to prevent CMV.
