Cytomegalovirus Prevention

How is CMV transmitted?

CMV is passed from person to person by direct contact with body fluids such as saliva, urine, semen, blood, tears, and breastmilk. The virus can also pass through the placenta to a growing fetus during pregnancy.

Babies and young children are a common source of CMV because they often get CMV from other kids. The virus can stay in a child's body fluids, like saliva and urine, for months after the infection. Children can pass the virus to parents or caregivers even if they don’t seem sick. People who live with or care for young children are more likely to get CMV.

How can a person reduce the risk of getting CMV?

Not all CMV infections can be prevented. However, you can lower your chance of getting CMV by reducing contact with saliva and urine from babies and young children. Taking steps to reduce your risk is especially important if you are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant. 

Follow these tips to reduce your risk of getting CMV:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for 15 to 20 seconds, especially after:
  • Changing a diaper or helping a young child to use the toilet,
  • Wiping a young child's nose or mouth, and
  • Handling children's toys or touching a surface that may have a child's saliva or urine on it.
• Do not put things in your mouth that have just been in a child’s mouth, such as a pacifier or toothbrush.
• Do not share food, drinks, utensils, and straws with a young child.
• Kiss a child on the forehead instead of the lips to avoid saliva.

Discuss CMV with your health care provider if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. 

Is there a vaccine for CMV?

There is no approved vaccine to prevent CMV infection. However, there are several CMV vaccines in the development stage, including some that have the goal of preventing congenital CMV. It will likely be several years before an effective CMV vaccine is available for use in the United States. 

Resources

• “Are you pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant? Learn about CMV” information sheet English (PDF) 
  • Hmong (PDF)
  • Somali (PDF)
  • Spanish (PDF)
  • Karen (S’gaw Karen)
• National CMV Foundation CMV Awareness Rack Card (PDF)