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Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus. It can cause swollen lymph glands, fever, and fatigue. Most people with CMV do not show symptoms of infection and are not aware they have it.
CMV infection rarely causes health problems except for the following:
A herpes virus causes CMV. The disease is passed by an exchange of body fluids with an infected person. You can be exposed through:
The virus is found in:
This virus is so common throughout the US. Everyone is considered at risk for CMV.
People with the highest risk of acquiring this virus include:
The virus often remains inactive in the body. There are often no symptoms. Sometimes, the virus is activated. Reactivation of the virus can happen if your immune system becomes impaired. This can happen because of medication or illness. In this case symptoms can occur.
The symptoms are similar to mononucleosis , another herpes virus infection, and include:
People with suppressed or impaired immune systems can also develop:
Babies born with congenital CMV infection can have the following problems:
Infants who get a CMV infection after birth rarely have any symptoms or complications.
CMV infection is not often diagnosed because the virus rarely produces symptoms. If CMV is suspected, it can be diagnosed by the following methods:
Most people will not need specific therapy for CMV infection. Like other members of the herpes virus family, once you have this virus, you have it for life.
Researchers are working to develop a vaccine to prevent the spread of this disease.
For people undergoing organ transplants, AIDS patients and other individuals with immunosuppression, specific antiviral drugs may be used such as:
There is no definitive way to prevent CMV. It is important to wash your hands frequently. Dispose of diapers properly. Avoiding intimate contact with people known to have the CMV infection.
Last reviewed January 2009 by David L. Horn, MD, FACP
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Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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