Staying Healthy in Child Care - National Health and Medical ...

Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
Description
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus worldwide. CMV is a member of the
herpes virus group but it cannot cause other herpes infections 96 . Most CMV infections
cause either no symptoms or only mild symptoms. Occasionally, symptoms similar to
glandular fever can occur (see page 124). These include fever, sore throat and swollen
glands.
Once people are infected with CMV they are thought to remain infected for the rest of
their lives, even when they do not become ill. Sometimes the virus can be reactivated
such as at times of other illnesses or stress, and may then cause symptoms 97 . During
an infection the virus can be spread in many ways, for example through coughing,
through contact with blood, faeces or saliva. Infection can also occur before birth, at
birth, or early in life.
Most women (50–60%) have been infected with CMV in the past and cannot be
infected with the virus again. However, women who are infected with CMV for the
first time while pregnant may infect the unborn baby. Infection of the unborn baby
occasionally leads to eye disease, deafness, developmental delay or death. Therefore
pregnant women who are caring for young children need to be particularly careful.
Incubation period
Not accurately known. Probably 3–12 weeks.
Infectious period
The virus is often shed for months in urine or saliva. Infants can shed the virus for
months to years following infection or reactivation of the virus 98 .
Exclusion period
Nil.
Responsibilities of child care providers/staff
Report the infection to the director. The director may then need to review with staff
the need for good personal cleanliness.
Responsibilities of parents
Good hand washing after handling articles contaminated with urine or saliva,
particularly after changing nappies.
Controlling the spread of infection
Good hand washing, and washing of shared toys etc. should be done all the time, not
only when a child is known to be unwell.
Women of child bearing age working with young children should always practise
good personal cleanliness, especially:
• good hand washing after contact with body secretions, and especially after
changing nappies or assisting in toilet care
123
Draft for Public Consultation