How does CMV infection compare to rubella if acquired during pregnancy?
Rubella during pregnancy may be symptomatic with a typical viral exanthematous rash arthritis. CMV however usually does not produce any symptoms of illness so that the pregnant mother is unaware that she has been infected with CMV. The risks for congenital rubella infection in the fetus are clearly defined but the exact risks from CMV infection to the fetus are unknown. Also, Rubella infection is now much less common than previously because of vaccination protection. There is no vaccine currently available for CMV, although researchers are working on a vaccine, but it may take several years before one could be given routinely. How is CMV spread? Close person to person contact is the way CMV is usually spread. CMV may be found in body secretions including urine, saliva, feces, blood and blood products, semen and cervical secretions. There is also evidence that small amounts of CMV virus may be carried on inanimate objects such as toys, possibly contributing to spread among preschool chi
