What Is the Cmv Virus?

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a contagious virus that can potentially infect any area of the body and cause serious complications. Most people with the virus never experience any symptoms, but it can lead to infections in weakened immune systems, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• Cytomegalovirus is treated with injected anti-viral medications.

Identification

• CMV is a type of herpes virus. Members of this virus family can cause conditions such as genital herpes, mononucleosis or chicken pox.

Causes

• The virus is spread by contact with an infected individual. CMV is typically found in bodily fluids like blood, saliva, vaginal fluid, semen or breast milk.

Effects

• CMV does not cause symptoms or negative effects in healthy individuals, according to the United States National Library of Medicine. In people with immune system deficiencies, the virus can result in fever, fatigue, sore joints, diarrhea ... or blindness or pneumonia in serious cases.

Treatment

• If CMV causes serious symptoms, it can be treated with anti-viral medication that is administered into the veins. The virus cannot be completely cured.

Significance

• In the United States, it is estimated that 50% to 80% of people older than age 40 have the CMV infection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.