Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common herpes virus. Most people are infected at some point in their lives, often without symptoms. It can cause illness in people with weakened immune systems and can be transmitted to a fetus during pregnancy.
Once infected, the virus stays in the body for life and can reactivate when the immune system is weakened. For most healthy people, CMV is harmless, but for immunocompromised individuals and newborns, it can lead to serious health complications.
In healthy people, CMV rarely causes symptoms. When it does, it may cause fever, sore throat, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes — similar to a mild flu or mononucleosis.
In immunocompromised people, CMV can cause more serious problems, including:
In newborns with congenital CMV, symptoms may include hearing loss, developmental delays, jaundice, and an enlarged liver or spleen.
CMV is spread through bodily fluids such as saliva, blood, urine, breast milk, semen, and vaginal fluids. Common routes of transmission include:
The virus is not spread through casual contact such as hugging or touching.
Most people with CMV do not need treatment and recover on their own. Antiviral medications are used for people with weakened immune systems and for newborns with symptomatic congenital CMV.
Common antiviral medications include:
Supportive care and monitoring of organ function are also important for high-risk patients.
If you are pregnant or have a weakened immune system and develop symptoms such as persistent fever, fatigue, vision changes, or breathing difficulties, see a doctor promptly. Early diagnosis and management can help prevent serious complications.
Consult our symptom checker for personalized guidance.
