Learn about CMV
What is congenital CMV?
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus that, when caught during pregnancy, can pass to the baby and cause serious lifelong health issues.
Everything you need to know about CMV
Select a topic below to learn more about congenital CMV — from who is at risk to how it's diagnosed and treated.
Who is at risk?
Pregnant women in contact with young children are at the highest risk of primary CMV infection.
Learn more →Transmission
CMV spreads through body fluids — saliva, urine and breast milk — most commonly via young children.
Learn more →Prevention
Good hand hygiene and avoiding sharing utensils with young children can significantly reduce your risk.
Learn more →Symptoms
Many babies with congenital CMV show no symptoms at birth, but some develop serious health issues.
Learn more →Diagnosis
Learn how congenital CMV is diagnosed in newborns and what testing is available in Australia.
Learn more →Treatment
Find out what treatment options are available for babies diagnosed with congenital CMV.
Learn more →Public health response
How Australia's health system is responding to the challenge of congenital CMV.
Learn more →Pregnancies after CMV
Information and guidance for families considering pregnancy after a CMV diagnosis.
Learn more →Research
The latest Australian and international research into congenital CMV prevention and treatment.
Learn more →Key facts about congenital CMV
Prevention starts with awareness
Simple hygiene steps during pregnancy can significantly reduce the risk of CMV. Learn what you can do to protect yourself and your baby.
Learn about prevention →[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_wp_custommenu nav_menu=”54″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]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.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]