Congenital cytomegalovirus

Congenital cytomegalovirus (congenital CMV) is a group of symptoms that may occur when an infant is infected with the cytomegalovirus before birth. Most infants who are infected with the virus never develop symptoms of the condition. However, approximately 10% of babies will experience health problems and/or disabilities such as problems with the lungs, liver and/or spleen at birth; hearing loss; vision loss; intellectual disability; seizures; small head size; and/or lack of coordination. Some babies with the condition may have evidence of infection at birth, while others may not develop symptoms for two or more years. Congenital CMV occurs when a mother is infected with cytomegalovirus during pregnancy and passes the infection to the fetus through the placenta. Treatment is based on the signs and symptoms present in each person.