Educate

What is CMV?

  • CMV or Cytomegalovirus is a very common virus; 50-80% of the U.S. population has had a CMV infection by 40 years old (CDC).
  • It is typically harmless and can cause cold-like symptoms; 90% of adults and many children show no symptoms at all. 
  • Once a person has had CMV, it stays there for life and can reactivate. It is also possible to be reinfected with a different strain of CMV.
  • It is more likely to occur in minority communities, especially young parents.
  • There is currently no vaccine.
  • Although CMV is a member of the herpesvirus family, it is not the same as Herpes Simplex Virus 2 (HSV-2), the sexually transmitted disease (STD).

Who is at risk for CMV?

  • All pregnant individuals, but especially those…
    • Who have young children in the home.
    • Childcare workers, early interventionists, early childhood providers.
    • Healthcare workers.
  • People with compromised immune systems are also at risk for CMV infection.
  • Nearly 1 in 3 children are infected by age 5.
    • 8% - 20% of childcare staff are infected with CMV each year.
    • 40% - 70% of childcare staff have evidence of a prior infection.

Awareness vs. Incidence

CMV awareness is dangerously low as compared to other congenital diseases, but just how low is it?

What are the signs of CMV?

What Treatments are available for CMV?

You can reduce the risk of acquiring CMV, learn how: