"CMV can live on hands for up to 15 minutes, metal and wood up to 1 hour, glass and plastic up to 3 hours, rubber, cloth, and cracker up to 6 hours. Apparently-dry surfaces can harbor viable virus in the 1–2-hour time period between when they are visibly dry and when completely dry."
Prevention is paramount
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for 15-20 seconds especially after:
- Changing diapers
- Feeding a child
- Wiping a child's nose or mouth
- Handling toys - Clean toys, countertops and other surfaces that come in contact with children’s urine or saliva
- Disinfect workplace surfaces that may be contaminated with body fluids - alcohol-based (>60%) or soap-based disinfectants are effective against most viruses, including CMV *** Disinfectants must state on the label that they are EPA-registered and kill CMV or herpesviruses. Diaper wipes do not disinfect!***
Who is at risk for CMV
- Childcare workers, early interventionists, early childhood providers (including daycare providers, pre-school teachers).
- Mothers of children attending day-care (source).
- Healthcare workers (including nurses, therapists).
- 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.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Congenital CMV Facts for Pregnant Women and Parents flyer.