Report warns of threat to unborn babies from CMV virus

"Thousands of pregnant women are unwittingly passing on infections to their unborn babies that cause severe disabilities," is the headline in the Daily Mail after a new report highlighted the risks cytomegalovirus (CMV) can pose to pregnancies. The paper says cytomegalovirus "can lie dormant in mother's body for years" and "is caught from other children through nappy changing and wiping mouths", so often older siblings can pass it on to unborn babies.  What is the basis for this report? The story was prompted by the release of a report by the charity CMV Action. The charity aims to raise awareness of the virus and campaign for better prevention measures within the health service. They also provide support for those affected by CMV.   What is CMV? CMV is a member of the herpes family of viruses. It is a common virus, and is spread through bodily fluids such as saliva and urine. It can be passed on through close contact with young children, such as when changing nappies. It can also be passed on in other ways that involve contact with bodily fluids, such as kissing or having sex. CMV doesn't cause symptoms in most people, so many people carrying the virus won't know they have had it. But some people can develop flu-like symptoms such as a fever, sore throat and swollen glands when they are first infected with the virus.  Up to 80% of adults in the UK are thought to be infected with CMV. Many people are first infected as children. The vir...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Pregnancy/child QA articles Source Type: news