Raising awareness of virus threat

The virus known as CMV (cytomegalovirus) is a leading cause of childhood disabilities, which include deafness, blindness, cerebral palsy, mental and physical disabilities, seizures and even death.

The virus causes more mental and physical issues than Downs Syndrome, Spina Bifida or HIV, and yet most women have never even heard of it.

Lisa Midgley, from Bingley, wants to change all that.

Lisa, who works for Northern Gas Networks in Leeds, hopes to raise awareness about the virus and is urging women to have a simple blood test.

She knows all too well the devastating consequences of catching CMV while pregnant.

Her middle child, Christian, who is now four years old, developed jaundice just after birth and was transferred to St James's Specialist Unit in Leeds as his liver was not working properly.

Following tests, Christian, was diagnosed with congenital CMV. While his liver has now repaired itself and is working normally, the virus has left him with complex disabilities including profound deafness and autism.

Lisa wants women who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy to know that a simple blood test from a midwife could determine whether they have already come into contact with the virus and if they are immune to it. Reassuringly, simple extra precautions can be taken to help minimise the risks.

"It concerns me just how little information I was given when I was pregnant," says Lisa.

"I was told about things like Downs Syndrome tests, the dangers of eating raw shellfish and alcohol, but I was never told about the potential dangers of catching a common virus such as this which can have devastating effects on your growing child."

CMV is one of the most common viral infections. It's estimated that 40-80 per cent of all adults aged 40 or over have been infected by CMV. Most people develop a CMV infection during their early childhood. It is passed on through saliva and urine and therefore women who are in close contact with babies and toddlers could be most at risk.

Unlike other viral infections, CMV causes no, or very few, symptoms. Most people will be unaware that they've developed an infection.

CMV presents a public health problem only when a CMV infection develops, or reoccurs, in certain vulnerable groups of people – people with suppressed immune systems and unborn babies.

If a woman who was previously uninfected by CMV becomes infected during pregnancy, there's a risk that she may pass on the infection to her unborn baby. This is known as a congenital CMV. It is estimated that one in every 200 babies will be born with congenital CMV.

Ten per cent of babies who are born with congenital CMV will have symptoms at birth. But these symptoms can be serious and may lead to long-term complications such as learning difficulties. A further 10 per cent of babies who are born with congenital CMV will have no symptoms at birth, but will experience hearing loss in later life.

The NHS website warns women about CMV and gives advice on precautions they should take to avoid contracting the virus (see panel).

It states the precautions are particularly important if you have a job that brings you into close contact with young children, such as working in a daycare centre or nursery.

"If you have a job where you spend a considerable amount of time with young children, consider having a blood test

to determine whether you have previously been infected with CMV," says the NHS Choices website.

"If the result of the test reveals that you have not had a CMV infection, you may wish to consider transferring to a role that limits

your exposure to young children."

Lisa has now become a member of the International CMV group, helping to raise awareness among women about the virus.

PROTECTING YOURSELF

If you're pregnant, taking some basic precautions can reduce your risk of developing CMV.

Wash your hands regularly using soap and hot water, particularly before preparing food, before eating, after close contact with children, or after changing nappies.

Avoid kissing a young child on the face. Hugging a child, or kissing them on the head, presents no extra risk.

Don't share eating utensils (forks and spoons) with young children, or drink from the same glass as them.

www.nhs.uk/conditions/Cytomegalovirus

For more information visit the help group www.stopcmv.org.