Cytomegalovirus Infection: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Cytomegalovirus Infection?
An infectious disease doctor, who treats infections caused by germs, or a pediatrician, a children's doctor, for a baby, usually cares for cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is cytomegalovirus infection?
Cytomegalovirus, or CMV, is a common virus that infects people of all ages. It is found around the world. It is related to the viruses that cause chickenpox and infectious mononucleosis (mono).
Over half of adults have been infected with CMV by age 40. Nearly 1 in 3 children in the United States is already infected by age 5.
Once CMV is in a person's body, it stays there for life and can reactivate. A person can also be infected again with a different strain of the virus.
Symptoms
Most people with CMV have no signs or symptoms and do not know they were infected. Sometimes a healthy person gets a mild illness with these signs:
- Fever.
- Sore throat.
- Fatigue.
- Swollen glands.
Occasionally, CMV can cause mononucleosis or hepatitis, which means liver problems.
If you have a weakened immune system and get CMV, you can have more serious symptoms. These can affect the eyes, lungs, liver, esophagus, stomach, and intestines.
Babies born with CMV can have brain, liver, spleen, lung, and growth problems. The most common long-term problem is hearing loss. It may be found soon after birth or may develop later in childhood.
Causes and who gets it
CMV spreads through body fluids such as saliva, urine, blood, tears, semen, and breast milk. An infected person can spread CMV in these ways:
- Direct contact with saliva or urine, especially from babies and young children.
- Sexual contact.
- Breast milk passed to nursing infants.
- Transplanted organs and blood transfusions.
- During pregnancy.
Anyone can get CMV. Pregnant people and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for complications.
If you are pregnant and infected with CMV, you can pass it to your developing baby. A baby born with a CMV infection has congenital CMV. About 1 in 200 babies is born with congenital CMV infection. About 1 in 5 of those babies will have birth defects or other long-term health problems.
How doctors diagnose it
A blood test can tell whether a person has ever been infected with CMV. Doctors can order blood tests to find CMV in adults who have symptoms.
Blood is not the best fluid to test in newborns. Saliva or urine tests are preferred for newborns. These tests must be done within 2 to 3 weeks of birth to confirm congenital CMV.
Treatment
Healthy people who are infected with CMV usually do not need medical treatment. Antiviral medicines are used for people with weakened immune systems. They are also used for babies with signs of congenital CMV at birth.
Valganciclovir is an antiviral that might improve hearing and developmental outcomes in babies. It can have serious side effects. It has only been studied in babies with signs of congenital CMV infection.
When to see a doctor
Pregnant people and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for complications from CMV. CMV can be serious in babies and in people with weak immune systems.
If you have a weakened immune system and develop symptoms, talk to your doctor, because CMV can cause more serious illness in the eyes, lungs, liver, and digestive system.
Hearing loss in a baby born with CMV may show up soon after birth or later in childhood, so tell the baby's doctor about any hearing concerns.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care doctor can review your symptoms and order or arrange blood tests. They can also help you keep up with visits to an infection specialist.
Common questions
Is cytomegalovirus contagious?
Yes, CMV spreads from person to person through body fluids. Children are a common source of the virus.
Can cytomegalovirus harm a baby during pregnancy?
Yes, it can, but not always. If a woman gets CMV when she is pregnant, she can pass it on to her baby. Some babies can develop lifelong disabilities.
Does cytomegalovirus ever go away?
No, the virus stays in your body for life. It can reactivate later.
Does cytomegalovirus need treatment?
Usually not for healthy people. Antiviral medicine may be prescribed if you have a weakened immune system.
How can I lower my chance of getting cytomegalovirus?
You can lower your chances by reducing contact with saliva and urine from babies and young children. Do not share food, utensils, cups, or pacifiers with a child. Wash your hands with soap and water after changing diapers or helping a child use the toilet.
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Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
