How is cytomegalovirus usually transmitted?
Although the virus is not highly communicable, it can be spread from person to person by direct contact. The virus is shed in the urine, saliva, semen and to a lesser extent in other body fluids. Transmission can also occur from an infected mother to her fetus or newborn and by blood transfusion and organ transplants.
Can you get CMV from sharing a drink?
Bodily fluids in which CMV can be found are urine, saliva, blood, feces, tears, breast milk, semen, and cervical secretions. Several examples of how a person may catch CMV from someone shedding the virus include kissing, sexual intercourse, sharing eating and drinking utensils, and sharing mouthed toys.
Is CMV easily transmitted?
Transmission of CMV is very rare through casual contact. CMV is spread from one person to another, usually by direct and prolonged contact with bodily fluids, including saliva, urine, and breast milk.
Can you get CMV from saliva?
People with CMV may pass the virus in body fluids, such as saliva, urine, blood, tears, semen, and breast milk. CMV is spread from an infected person in the following ways: From direct contact with saliva or urine, especially from babies and young children. Through sexual contact.
Can CMV pass through breast milk?
There is evidence that CMV is commonly present in breast milk and is often transmitted to babies. CMV infection acquired postnatally can cause serious disease in very premature babies. Interventions to remove CMV from breast milk are possible but may damage other important constituents.
Is CMV airborne?
Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a major pathogen in immunocompromised patients. Transmission in this population is known to occur by fomites, but the potential for airborne spread is unknown.
How long do adults shed CMV?
How long can someone spread CMV to others? Young children can shed the virus for months to years after they become infected. Adults shed for a shorter period, usually less than 6 months.
How long does CMV stay on surfaces?
CMV has a half-life of 2 to 6 hours on surfaces, but low titers of virus may persist for 24 hours. Table I lists the published rates of CMV infection among pediatric nurses and control subjects (women without patient contact).
How long can CMV live on surfaces?
How long is CMV contagious for?
Probably several weeks to months. Once a person is infected, the virus is shed intermittently in the saliva and urine for the rest of that person’s life. Up to 70% and usually 30% to 40% of normal children aged 1 to 3 years in group care settings excrete CMV in their saliva and urine, respectively.
Can CMV live on surfaces?
In fact, viable CMV can persist on surfaces as long as they remain wet—in some cases at least up to 6 hours. There are no additional data to conclude whether virus remains viable on surfaces that remain wet for more than 6 hours.
When is CMV no longer contagious?
If you’re healthy, CMV mainly stays dormant. When the virus is active in your body, you can pass the virus to other people. The virus is spread through body fluids — including blood, urine, saliva, breast milk, tears, semen and vaginal fluids.