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Cytomegalovirus, or CMV, is a member of the family Herpesviridae. CMV falls into the genus Simplexvirus, which also includes the viruses that cause herpes, chickenpox, and Epstein-Barr. These viruses are also named Human Herpes Viruses (HHV), and cytomegalovirus is numbered HHV-5. Cytomegalovirus is so named because the human cells infected with it become enlarged. CMV infection is one of the most common infections in people. In the US it is said that as much as 50% of people will contract this virus by the age of forty. CMV usually remains latent and does not cause any complications in healthy individuals; however, it can be a problem for fetuses, infants, and those with compromised immune systems. About 7.5% of neonates are infected with CMV. It is the most common congenital infection, meaning it is present at birth. About ten percent of infected newborns develop signs and symptoms of infection. Cytomegalovirus can also be a teratogen, causing birth defects when it infects the stem cells of children in utero.

CMV is transmitted through direct person-to-person contact with contaminated body fluids. Virus particles can be found in the cervical secretions, blood, breast milk, mucus, saliva, semen, urine, and feces of infected persons. Since the particles of CMV are not highly contagious, infection usually does not occur through casual contact with small amounts of body fluids. CMV is usually transmitted through sexual intercourse or from mother to unborn child. Other modes of transmission include organ transplants and blood transfusions. Pregnant women, or women planning to become pregnant, should take special precautions in order to avoid exposure to and infection with cytomegalovirus. Special attention to personal hygiene, especially handwashing, is suggested. Small children are more likely to carry virus particles in their saliva or urine than are adults or older children; therefore, pregnant women need be especially careful when coming in contact with young kids.

Most healthy people who are infected with CMV experience very few, if any, signs and symptoms of illness. Due to its latent tendencies, most people aren't even aware that they are infected. Milder signs are flu-like in nature and include fever, sore throat, swollen glands, and fatigue. Most cases of congenital CMV never show any symptoms or developmental disabilities at all. Temporary symptoms of congenital CMV include skin splotches, problems with the liver and spleen,

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