Written by Nsofwa Sukwa
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus that infects people of all ages. Many people who carry CMV never know they have it because it often causes no symptoms at all, and once it’s in the body, it remains there for life in a dormant state. CMV can cause serious disease in infants, children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.
How CMV Is Transmitted and what disease does is cause?
CMV is not considered highly contagious, even though it’s widespread. CMV spreads through direct contact with infected body fluids such as saliva and urine — especially common among young children, who may shed the virus for months. An infected pregnant individual can also transmit CMV to the unborn baby.
CMV can affect any part of the body, but it most commonly affects the ears leading to hearing loss, the brain causing developmental delay, and the eyes leading to vision problems especially in babies infected before they are born.
What about CMV and children living with HIV?
Children living with HIV are at higher risk of CMV infection, reactivation, and disease, especially when their CD4 count is low or advanced HIV disease. Therefore, it is important that children are started on ART treatment early and continue to maintain viral control.
How can you protect yourself and your child from CMV?
CMV is commonly spread through everyday interactions, especially with children, therefore simple hygiene practices can make a big difference. These include
- Hand hygiene: Wash hands/ use hand sanitizer after changing nappy or wiping a child’s nose.
- Avoid sharing food, drinks, or utensils.
- Be mindful of close contact with very young children, especially if you are pregnant.
My work on the SUPPORT project is looking at whether high CMV viral load is associated with mortality in children living with HIV.
