Cytomegalovirus primary prevention

Template:Cytomegalovirus Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Primary Prevention

Transmission of the virus is often preventable because it is most often transmitted through infected bodily fluids that come in contact with hands and then are absorbed through the nose or mouth of a susceptible person. Therefore, care should be taken when handling children and items like diapers. Simple hand washing with soap and water is effective in removing the virus from the hands.

Recommendations for pregnant women with regard to CMV infection:

• Throughout the pregnancy, practice good personal hygiene, especially handwashing with soap and water, after contact with diapers or oral secretions (particularly with a child who is in day care).
• Laboratory testing for antibody to CMV can be performed to determine if a women has already had CMV infection.

Recommendations for individuals providing care for infants and children:

• Employees should be educated concerning CMV, its transmission, and hygienic practices, such as handwashing, which minimize the risk of infection.
• Susceptible nonpregnant women working with infants and children should not routinely be transferred to other work situations.
• Pregnant women working with infants and children should be informed of the risk of acquiring CMV infection and the possible effects on the unborn child.
• Routine laboratory testing for CMV antibody in female workers is not specifically recommended due to its high occurrence, but can be performed to determine their immune status.

Exposing immunosuppressed patients to outside sources of CMV should be minimized. Whenever possible, patients without CMV infection should be given organs and/or blood products that are free of the virus.