What is CMV (cytomegalovirus), and what does it have to do with blood donation?
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus spread by air droplets (from coughing & sneezing), sexually, and by blood contact. In healthy persons it may cause minor flu-like symptoms, cough, sore throat and enlarged glands (resembling infectious mono), or no symptoms at all. It occurs at all ages, and by adulthood, blood tests show that about 50 percent of healthy adults have had the virus (and are now immune to it). Some of these persons, while healthy, may still carry and transmit the virus sexually or by blood donation.
