Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a virus of the herpes family that is excreted in tears, urine, saliva, breast milk, endocervical secretions and semen. An infection with this virus usually goes unnoticed and is not serious. But in pregnant women, CMV infection can have consequences serious on the fetus. “It is currently the most common viral maternal-fetal infections responsible for disability or neonatal death” highlighted the High Council of Public Health.
It affects 3,400 newborns per year
Congenital CMV infection affects approximately 3,400 newborns out of the 800,000 annual births. The main risk of contracting CMV infection is proximity to small children. Contact with saliva, urine, blood or tears of young children is the major cause of the transmission of infection among pregnant women or their spouses as well as among childminders, nurses or nursery staff: 44-100% of children aged 1 to 2 have been found to excrete virus in urine and tears.
Preventive measures
As there is no vaccine or treatment for this virus, the health authorities have just published recommendations for pregnant women in order to pcome back from new infections :
- do not suck on a spoon or pacifier, and not to taste or finish the meal of children under 3 years old
- do not share toiletries (washcloth, towel) with children under 3 years old
- do not kiss on the mouth or on tears of children under 3 years old. And limit oral contact with tears and / or saliva of children under 3 years old
- wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after each change or contact with urine or after each contact with saliva (diaper, potty, wet pajamas, toys, meals, baths, etc.) or nasal secretions from children under 3 years old.
In addition, it is recommended to use a condom in case of change of partner or in case of suspected CMV infection in the spouse.
“The incidence of primary infections is halved when hygiene measures are explained repeatedly during pregnancy” insist the health authorities.
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