Cytomegalovirus, also referred to as CMV, is a member of the herpesvirus group, which also includes: 

• Herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 

• Varicella-zoster virus (which causes chickenpox)

• Epstein-Barr virus (which causes infectious mononucleosis) 

CMV is found universally throughout all major geographic locations and socioeconomic groups, although it is more widespread in developing countries and in areas of lower socioeconomic conditions. 

A 2019 study by Zuhair et al. estimated a global cytomegalovirus seroprevalence of 83 percent in the general population, 86 percent in women of childbearing age and 86 percent in donors of blood or organs.

Once a person becomes infected, the virus remains alive, but usually dormant within that person’s body for life. For most healthy people who acquire CMV after birth there are few symptoms and no long-term health consequences. Therefore, for most people, CMV infection is not a serious problem. However, CMV infection may be of concern to certain high-risk groups. 

Cytomegalovirus is the most common congenital viral infection transmitted to a developing child before birth. Infection to the unborn baby during pregnancy – called congenital CMV – can include symptoms at birth and long-term, such as:

• Jaundice

• Enlarged liver and spleen 

• Rash

• Pneumonitis 

• Microcephaly 

• Damaged retina 

• Psychomotor retardation

• Vision loss 

• Hearing loss

There is also a risk of symptomatic infection to women of childbearing age who work with children and previously have not been infected with CMV, as well as those who are immunocompromised, such as organ, bone marrow or stem cell transplant recipients and persons infected with HIV. For those at higher risk, the virus may cause serious issues affecting their:

• Brain

• Eyes 

• Esophagus

• Lungs 

• Stomach

• Intestines 

• Liver

Some healthy people will experience mononucleosis-like syndrome with fatigue, achy muscles and a prolonged fever. Recurrent disease rarely occurs unless the person's immune system is suppressed due to therapeutic drugs or disease.