# What is Congenital Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection? Canonical page: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-is-congenital-cmv-infection Language: en Category: pregnancy Publisher: ClinicsJo Published: 2026-09-13T08:09:51.364Z Content updated: 2026-09-13T08:09:51.364Z Translation (ar): https://clinicsjo.com/ar/faq/what-is-congenital-cmv-infection Congenital Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is a medical condition in which a CMV viral infection is transmitted from a mother to her fetus during pregnancy [\[1\]](). CMV is a very common virus belonging to the family of viruses that cause chickenpox, and anyone can contract it at any age [\[1\]]() [\[3\]](). Once the virus enters the human body, it remains there for life and may reactivate at any time, even after initial symptoms have disappeared [\[1\]]() [\[3\]](). ## How is the infection transmitted from mother to fetus? Congenital infection occurs when the mother is exposed to the virus during her pregnancy, whether it is a primary infection or the reactivation of a virus latent in the body. The virus spreads through bodily fluids, including saliva, urine, tears, and breast milk [\[1\]](). Handling young children, who often carry the virus in their bodily fluids for long periods, is one of the most common ways for pregnant women to be exposed [\[1\]](). If the virus crosses the placenta during pregnancy, it can cause a congenital infection in the fetus. ## Risks and complications for infants It is estimated that about 1 in every 200 children is born with a congenital CMV infection [\[1\]](). Although many infected children show no symptoms or health problems, about 1 in 5 infected children may suffer from congenital disabilities or long-term health effects [\[1\]]() [\[3\]](). Potential problems include: - Hearing loss: This is the most common issue, which may appear at birth or develop later during childhood [\[1\]](). - Growth and neurodevelopmental problems: Including microcephaly, calcification, and delayed growth [\[1\]](). - Vital organ disorders: Such as enlargement of the liver and spleen (hepatosplenomegaly) and lung problems [\[1\]](). - Vision problems: Such as retinitis [\[1\]](). ## Diagnosis and medical intervention Early diagnosis is crucial. For newborns suspected of having the infection, saliva or urine tests must be performed within the first 2 to 3 weeks of birth to confirm the infection [\[1\]](). Blood samples are not preferred for diagnosing newborns [\[1\]](). For infants who exhibit symptoms of congenital infection, physicians may prescribe antiviral medications such as Valganciclovir. This treatment aims to improve developmental and hearing outcomes; however, it must be used under careful medical supervision due to the possibility of serious side effects [\[1\]](). Infected children require ongoing medical follow-up, including periodic hearing and vision screenings and support services to enhance communication skills [\[1\]](). For more details on how to reduce the risks associated with this condition, you can read our article on [Cytomegalovirus (CMV): Risks for Pregnant Women and Infants and Prevention (Arabic)](). ## Medical references - [About Cytomegalovirus]() - [Cytomegalovirus Infections]() General health education; not a substitute for individualized clinical assessment. Citation URL: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-is-congenital-cmv-infection#answer