The incidence of primary (or first) CMV infection in pregnant women in the United States varies from 1% to 3%. When infected with CMV, most women have no symptoms and very few have symptoms resembling mononucleosis.

Temporary problems (at birth) include the following:

Hearing Loss, Vision Loss, Mental Disability, Lung Problems, Bleeding Problems, Spleen Problems, Liver Problems, Growth Problems

Permanent problems include the following:

Hearing loss, Vision loss, Mental disability, Feeding issues/Failure to Thrive (FTT), Sleeping issues, Sensory issues, ADHD/Autism, Small head/small brain (Microcephaly), Intercranial Calcifications, Cerebral palsy, Seizures, Death

For infants who are infected by their mothers during pregnancy, two potential problems exist:

• Generalized infection may occur in the infant and symptoms may range from moderate enlargement of the liver and spleen to fatal illness. With supportive treatment, most infants with CMV disease usually survive. However, 80% to 90% will have complications within the first few years of life that may include hearing loss, vision impairment, and varying degrees of mental retardation.
• Another 5% to 10% of infants who are infected but without symptoms at birth will subsequently have varying degrees of hearing and mental or coordination problems.

CMV can be transmitted to the unborn child of a mother with a primary CMV infection.

When a baby catches CMV prior to birth, it is known as a congenital CMV infection. Approximately 90% of all infants who are infected with CMV prior to delivery are born without symptoms of the virus but may go on to develop disabilities due to CMV infection. The remaining 10% who are born with visible symptoms of the virus will have varying degrees of abnormalities. It is estimated that up to 20 percent of babies born with symptomatic CMV infection will die.

Transmission of the virus is often preventable because it is most often transmitted through infected bodily fluids (saliva, urine, tears, blood, mucus, etc) that come in contact with hands and then are absorbed through the nose or mouth of a susceptible person.

more info

CMV infection is very common in daycare settings, especially among children 1 to 3 years of age who are at high risk for CMV infection. Women who work with infants and young children should be educated about the risks of CMV and the precautions they can take to prevent infection. Child care providers (meaning daycare workers, teachers, therapists, as well as mothers) should be diligent in handwashing, as they are at increased risk for exposure to the virus. They should also not share drinks or food with small children.