Cytomegalovirus (CMV): Symptoms, Complications and Testing

What Is Cytomegalovirus?

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a widespread virus from the herpesvirus family that can stay inactive within the body for life after the first infection.

Most people who contract CMV do not experience significant illness, and if symptoms occur, they are usually mild and flu-like, such as low fever, tiredness, or general discomfort. In most healthy adults, CMV remains dormant without causing long-term problems.

However, it can reactivate or lead to serious illness in certain groups, including those with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, and infants. In these cases, CMV may cause complications that affect organs like the liver, lungs, and eyes, or influence a baby's development if infection occurs during pregnancy.

How Is Cytomegalovirus Transmitted?

Cytomegalovirus is transmitted through close contact with body fluids such as saliva, blood, urine, semen, vaginal secretions, or breast milk. Because it does not travel through the air, casual interactions rarely lead to infection. Instead, transmission occurs through close and repeated exposure.

Ways CMV can be transmitted include:

• Sharing drinks, utensils, or engaging in kissing with someone infected
• Coming into contact with the saliva or urine of young children
• Sexual contact involving the exchange of infected fluids
• Transmission from mother to child during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding

While CMV can be passed through sexual activity, it is not formally categorised as a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

Treatment and Management of Cytomegalovirus

Although there is no definitive cure for CMV, most infections clear naturally without treatment. Care focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing complications, particularly for individuals at higher risk.

For mild or symptom-free cases, close observation is usually sufficient. Antiviral medications such as ganciclovir, valganciclovir, foscarnet, or cidofovir may be prescribed when the infection is severe or the immune system is compromised. These medicines help suppress the virus and prevent further damage to affected organs.

Supportive measures such as staying well hydrated, getting adequate rest, and maintaining overall health help with recovery. For individuals with weakened immune systems or those who have received organ transplants, care is usually guided by a specialist.

How Much Does Cytomegalovirus Testing & Treatment Cost?

CMV testing is available at Singapore Women's Clinic as an individual blood test or included within our genital ulcer screening packages.

We also provide confidential and discreet STI testing, with treatment options available when required. For your comfort, you may request to see a male or female doctor, subject to availability.

To find out more about our tests or to arrange an appointment, please contact us.