Frequently the infection passes unnoticed or there may be mild flu-like symptoms. The virus belongs to the herpes family, which includes the chicken-pox, cold sore and glandular fever viruses. Once infection has taken place, the virus remains dormant within the body, usually with no ill effects. However, recurrences of the virus in body fluids may occur at intervals. The main risk is when women catch the viral infection for the first time in pregnancy.
Women are usually only mildly unwell with a sore throat and flu-like illness.
CMV is probably one of the main causes of isolated bilateral SNHL in childhood. A small proportion of vertically infected children will be symptomatic at birth and they can have pneumonia, liver disease, or neurological problems. The central nervous system problems include microcephaly, cerebral palsy, and developmental delay. Trials are ongoing for the treatment of infected children in the newborn period with antiviral medication. There is no prenatal therapy at present, but trials are starting in this area also.