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]Humans are the only source of CMV. The virus is found in urine, saliva, nasal mucous, breast milk, vaginal secretions and semen of infected people. The risk of transmission from children born with disability due to CMV infection is no greater than that from children who have CMV infection without symptoms. CMV is spread through:
- Close contact with a person excreting the virus in their saliva, nasal mucous, urine or other body fluid
- Handling children’s toys that have saliva or mucous on them, or handling contaminated items like dirty tissues or soiled nappies then touching the eyes, nose or mouth without first washing hands
- From mother to her unborn child as a result of maternal infection during pregnancy
- From mother to her unborn child as a result of virus reactivation during pregnancy
- Breast milk of an infected woman who is breast feeding
- Sexual contact.
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