Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a virus that, once it infects a person, it remains in the body for life. CMV belongs in the herpes virus group with herpes simplex viruses, varicella-zoster virus (chickenpox) and Epstein-Barr Virus (infectious mononucleosis). There may not be any signs or symptoms of the infection in some people, but in unborn babies and individuals with a weakened immune system it can cause disease, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Other symptoms in infants can be temporary or permanent.
Symptoms Leading Up to Birth
Babies who are born with CMV (congenital CMV) can have some of the same symptoms as an infant who contracts the infection after birth. KidsHealth.org points out that it is common for a newborn to show no symptoms at birth, but some symptoms can exist prior to delivery of the baby. Fetal monitoring of a baby infected with CMV before delivery can reveal that an infant is small for her gestational age, has an enlarged liver and spleen, small head and be born prematurely.
Temporary Symptoms
Babies who are born premature are often small. This symptoms alone is not a sign of CMV. At birth an infant with CMV may have jaundice (increased levels of bilirubin in the blood). Jaundice is not uncommon in infants without the infection. It is the result of the liver being too immature to process the bilirubin in the blood as quickly as needed. This usually improves over time. Other temporary symptoms can include purple skin splotches, lung problems and seizures. Mild signs of illness are common and can include fever, sore throat, fatigue and swollen glands. Pneumonia and a rash are other mild to moderate signs of illness present at birth.
Permanent Symptoms
The CDC explains that infants born with CMV and have symptoms at birth are more likely to have permanent disabilities and symptoms that worsen over time. Examples of symptoms that may begin as a mild condition and worsen over time include hearing problems, vision problems, coordination problems, mental disability, seizures and/or a small head. Permanent disability can result, and so can death.
