HEALTH EDUCATION

Cytomegalovirus

What it is
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) [sy-to-MEG-a-lo-vi-rus] a virus that is transmitted through many bodily fluids. It is also sexually transmitted. It is a member of the same family of viruses as mononucleosis, chickenpox, and genital herpes, and is most dangerous for people with weakened immune systems, like:

• Those who are HIV positive

• Babies whose mothers were infected during pregnancy

• Cancer patients on chemotherapy

• Recipients of organ transplant

How it’s spread
CMV is spread from one person to another by the exchange of infected body fluids, including:

• Blood

• Urine

• Breast milk

• Saliva

• Semen

• Vaginal secretions

How it’s treated
Anti-viral medication can be helpful in treating CMV retinitis in people infected with HIV, but there is no specific treatment for CMV infection.

How it’s prevented
CMV usually lives in the body without causing symptoms, illness, or damage unless the immune system is too weakened to keep the virus dormant.

Avoiding oral contact with the bodily fluids of young children and washing your hands often with soap and water are good ways to avoid infection.

What it does
Active infection in a weakened immune system can cause potentially life-threatening illnesses, like pneumonia and liver infection. CMV can also infect the retinas of the eyes and cause blindness.



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