What Are the Risks of CMV?

Cytomegalovirus, or CMV, is a type of herpes virus. The virus can be very dangerous to those with weakened immune systems.

Causes

• CMV is caused by direct contact with an infected person. CMV spreads to body fluids; including urine, saliva, semen, mother's milk and sweat. If an uninfected person comes into contact with the bodily fluids of one who is infected, he or she will most likely catch the virus.

Risk Factors

• According to The Mayo Clinic, 40 to 80 percent of all Americans are infected with CMV by the time they reach 40. Unborn infants whose mothers come into contact with CMV for the first time while pregnant are at high risk.

Complications

• This condition can cause intestinal, nervous system and lung complications as well as CMV mononucleosis, vision impairments, ulcerations and encephalitis. In some cases, CMV can cause these complications in a person who does not have a weakened immune system.

Time Frame

• CMV is a permanent virus. It remains dormant until its host's immune system is compromised by such factors as HIV, chemotherapy treatments or anti-rejection drugs. If the immune system is healthy, the body usually keeps the virus from becoming active.

Treatments

• If CMV becomes active, antiviral medications will slow the process of the virus and prevent it from dividing.