Pregnancy Danger: Infection that can be harmful to baby

Описание: CINCINNATI (WKRC) - People have likely heard that it's dangerous for women who are pregnant t to get the flu virus or the Zika virus but within the last year, another virus according to a report from the Cleveland Clinic has been a major health concern for women during pregnancy.

It's called the Cytomegalo Virus, or CMV. It can have devastating effects on the babies of pregnant moms. While there have not been a lot of cases in the US, there have been enough that doctors say they need to make women aware of it. It can cause many of the same complications that are seen with the Zika virus, including preterm delivery, still births, and having babies with brain and eye abnormalities.

The virus spreads like the flu, often by small children in schools and day cares. Infection control specialists said that a lot of people are likely exposed to it, and the older they get the more likely it is that they've built up antibodies against it.

The Centers for Disease Control said about one in every 150 babies were born with the CMV infection but only about one in five babies with the infection will be sick from the virus or have long term health problems.

CMV is often difficult to diagnose because the symptoms were like the flu. They include fever, muscle aches, and fatigue. It's usually not diagnosed unless it's caught on an ultrasound.

CMV is actually related to the viruses that cause chicken pox and infectious mononucleosis, or mono as it's known.

It's estimated 50 to 80 percent of adults in the US have had a CMV infection by age 40 and once it's in the body it stays there for life. Since it's spread by close contact with body fluids, the best defense is to wash hands and keep the immune system strong.

In pregnancy that means prenatal vitamins, rest, a healthy diet, avoiding people who are sick, and getting a flu shot.