Help stop CMV

Studies in Australia have shown that out of 1,000 live births, about 6 infants will have congenital CMV infection and 1 to 2 of will have permanent disabilities of varying degree. These can include hearing and vision loss.

What is CMV?

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus in the herpesvirus family. Fifty percent of people have been infected by young adulthood and up to 85% by 40 years of age. Peaks of infection occur in children under 2 years age, and during adolescence.

Who is at risk?

If a woman is newly infected with CMV while pregnant, there is a risk that her unborn baby will also become infected (congenital CMV). Infected babies may, but not always, be born with a disability.

Studies in Australia have shown that out of 1,000 live births, about 6 infants will have congenital CMV infection and 1-2 of those 6 infants (about 1 in 1000 infants overall) will have permanent disabilities of varying degree. These can include hearing loss, vision loss, small head size, cerebral palsy, developmental delay or intellectual disability, and in rare cases, death.

Prevention

Pregnant women are recommended to take steps to reduce their risk of exposure to CMV and so reduce the risk of their developing baby becoming infected.

• Wash hands often with soap and running water for at least 15 seconds and dry them thoroughly. This should be done especially after close contact with young children, changing nappies, blowing noses, feeding a young child, and handling children’s toys, dummies/soothers.

• Do not share food, drinks, eating utensils or toothbrushes with young children.

• Avoid contact with saliva when kissing a child.

• Use simple detergent and water to clean toys, countertops and other surfaces that come into contact with children’s urine, mucous or saliva.

Child care workers who are pregnant or considering pregnancy should pay particular attention to good hand hygiene, especially after changing nappies or assisting with blowing noses or toileting.