Cytomegalovirus (CMV) in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus in the herpes family. Related viruses include:

  • Epstein–Barr virus (which can cause mononucleosis)
  • Varicella-zoster virus (chickenpox and shingles)
  • Herpes simplex virus (cold sores and genital herpes)

CMV is especially important for Grand Rapids residents who are pregnant, have weakened immune systems, or are preparing for an organ transplant at local hospitals such as Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health.

How CMV Spreads

CMV is spread through close contact with body fluids, including:

  • Saliva (for example, sharing cups, utensils, or kissing)
  • Blood
  • Urine
  • Semen and vaginal fluids
  • Breast milk

The virus can enter the body through:

  • Coughing and respiratory droplets
  • Contact with contaminated blood or body fluids
  • Mucous membranes, such as the mouth, eyes, or genitals

In the United States, about half of young adults have been infected with CMV by early adulthood. In most healthy people in Grand Rapids, CMV causes only a mild, flu-like illness or no symptoms at all.

CMV Symptoms in Healthy People

For most healthy adults and children in West Michigan, CMV infection is mild and may feel like a short flu or viral illness. Common symptoms include:

  • Fatigue or lethargy
  • Fever or high temperature
  • Sore throat
  • Swollen glands
  • Muscle aches
  • Mild headache

Many people recover fully within a few days to a couple of weeks. Some may feel run down for several weeks.

Some People Have No Symptoms at All

Many Grand Rapids residents will carry CMV and never know it. Once you have CMV, the virus stays in your body for life in a “dormant” (inactive) state. It can reactivate later, especially if your immune system becomes weakened.

When CMV Is More Serious

While CMV is usually mild in healthy people, it can be serious for:

  • Pregnant women and their babies
  • People with weakened immune systems
  • Organ transplant recipients
  • People receiving treatment for HIV/AIDS or cancer

Organs Commonly Affected by CMV

CMV can infect almost any organ in the body. The most commonly affected organs include:

  • Blood
  • Brain
  • Colon
  • Eyes (retina)
  • Heart
  • Kidneys
  • Liver
  • Lungs
  • Stomach

Symptoms depend on which organ is affected. In general, more serious CMV infections may cause:

  • High fever
  • Extreme tiredness
  • Low white blood cell counts (found on blood tests)
  • Shortness of breath or cough (if lungs are involved)
  • Vision changes (if the eyes are involved)
  • Abdominal pain or diarrhea (if the digestive tract is involved)

CMV and Organ Transplants in Grand Rapids

Transplant patients at hospitals such as Spectrum Health and Trinity Health Grand Rapids receive medications to prevent organ rejection. These drugs weaken the immune system, which makes CMV more dangerous.

In organ transplant patients, CMV symptoms can look very similar to organ rejection. This is why transplant teams in Grand Rapids:

  • Routinely test both donors and recipients for CMV antibodies (CMV serology)
  • Try to avoid using CMV-positive donors for CMV-negative recipients when possible
  • Closely monitor for signs of CMV after transplant

CMV and the Brain

When CMV infects the brain, it is called CMV encephalitis. This is rare but serious and can cause:

  • Severe headache
  • Confusion or behavior changes
  • Seizures (convulsions)
  • Coma

Patients with suspected CMV encephalitis are usually treated in hospital settings, including intensive care units at major Grand Rapids hospitals.

CMV in Pregnancy and Newborns (Congenital CMV)

Pregnant women in Grand Rapids can catch CMV and pass it to their unborn baby. When a baby is infected before birth, it is called congenital CMV.

Risks of Congenital CMV

Most babies with congenital CMV appear healthy at birth. However, about 1 in 10 infected babies may develop long-term health problems, such as:

  • Hearing loss or deafness
  • Poor eyesight or vision problems
  • Intellectual disability or developmental delays
  • Enlarged liver or spleen
  • Small head size (microcephaly)
  • Feeding difficulties or poor growth

Because early diagnosis and support can improve outcomes, babies born at Grand Rapids hospitals may be tested if congenital CMV is suspected.

How Pregnant Women Can Reduce CMV Risk

Pregnant women and those planning pregnancy in West Michigan should be especially careful around young children, who often carry CMV without symptoms. To reduce risk:

  • Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after:
    • Changing diapers
    • Wiping noses, drool, or tears
    • Handling toys, bottles, or pacifiers
  • Avoid sharing:
    • Food, drinks, straws, or utensils
    • Toothbrushes
  • Avoid kissing young children on the lips; kiss on the head or cheek instead
  • Clean surfaces and toys regularly

If you are pregnant in Grand Rapids and concerned about CMV, talk with your OB/GYN or midwife at Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health.

CMV and Weakened Immune Systems

People with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of serious CMV complications, including:

  • People with HIV/AIDS
  • Cancer patients receiving chemotherapy or radiation
  • Organ and stem cell transplant recipients
  • People taking long-term high-dose steroids or other immune-suppressing drugs

These patients are more likely to develop:

  • CMV pneumonia (lung infection)
  • CMV colitis (inflammation of the colon)
  • CMV retinitis (eye infection that can lead to vision loss)
  • CMV encephalitis (brain infection)

Local infectious disease specialists in Grand Rapids often work closely with oncologists, transplant teams, and HIV clinics to monitor and treat CMV in high‑risk patients.

CMV in Grand Rapids: Local Health Considerations

While CMV is not specifically related to Michigan’s weather, certain local factors can influence health:

  • Cold winters and indoor crowding: Long winters in Grand Rapids mean more time indoors, where viruses can spread more easily through close contact.
  • Childcare and schools: CMV is common in daycares and schools across Kent County, where children share toys and frequently have runny noses or drool.
  • Healthcare access: Grand Rapids residents have access to major health systems (Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, Mercy Health) and public health resources through the Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health for information and referrals.

Diagnosis of CMV in Grand Rapids

Healthcare providers in Grand Rapids may use several tests to diagnose CMV, especially in high‑risk patients:

  • Blood tests
    • CMV IgM and IgG antibodies (to see if infection is recent or past)
    • CMV viral load (PCR) to measure how much virus is in the blood
  • Urine or saliva tests
    • Often used in newborns to detect congenital CMV
  • Sputum or respiratory samples
    • If lung infection is suspected
  • Eye exams
    • By an ophthalmologist if CMV retinitis is suspected
  • Imaging and lumbar puncture
    • If there are signs of brain involvement

These tests are available through hospital laboratories and specialty clinics throughout the Grand Rapids area.

Treatment for CMV

Mild CMV in Healthy People

For healthy adults and children in Grand Rapids, treatment is usually supportive:

  • Rest
  • Drinking plenty of fluids
  • Over-the-counter pain relievers and fever reducers (as advised by a healthcare provider)

Most people recover at home without complications. Ongoing medical supervision may be recommended if symptoms last more than a couple of weeks or are severe.

CMV in Pregnancy and High‑Risk Patients

Pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems require closer monitoring and may need:

  • Regular blood tests
  • Urine or sputum tests
  • Imaging or eye exams, depending on symptoms

These patients are often followed by:

  • OB/GYN or maternal–fetal medicine specialists (for pregnancy)
  • Infectious disease physicians
  • Transplant teams
  • Oncologists or HIV specialists

Antiviral Medications

In more serious cases, doctors may prescribe antiviral medications such as:

  • Ganciclovir (often given by IV in the hospital)
  • Valganciclovir (oral form)
  • Other antivirals as recommended by infectious disease specialists

These medications:

  • Help control the virus
  • Reduce the risk of complications
  • Require close monitoring with regular blood tests (they can affect blood counts and kidney function)

Treatment plans are individualized and often managed at major Grand Rapids hospitals and specialty clinics.

When to See a Doctor in Grand Rapids

You should contact a healthcare provider in Grand Rapids if:

  • You are pregnant and:
    • Have flu-like symptoms that last more than a few days
    • Work with young children (daycare, school, healthcare setting)
  • You have a weakened immune system and:
    • Develop fever, fatigue, cough, shortness of breath, or vision changes
    • Recently had an organ or stem cell transplant
  • Your newborn or infant:
    • Fails a hearing test
    • Has feeding problems, poor growth, or developmental delays
    • Has been exposed to CMV during pregnancy or birth

Local Resources for CMV Information and Care

Residents of Grand Rapids, MI can access CMV information, testing, and treatment through:

  • Primary care providers and pediatricians
    For initial evaluation, testing, and referrals.
  • OB/GYN and maternal–fetal medicine clinics
    At Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health for pregnancy-related CMV concerns.
  • Infectious disease specialists
    For complex or high‑risk CMV cases.
  • Kent County Health Department
    Offers public health information, community resources, and guidance on infectious diseases.
  • Grand Rapids Public Health and community clinics
    For education, screening, and referrals, especially for underserved populations.

Key Points About CMV in Grand Rapids

  • In most healthy people, CMV causes a mild, flu-like illness or no symptoms.
  • CMV can affect many organs, including the blood, brain, colon, eyes, heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, and stomach.
  • Symptoms in transplant patients can be easily confused with organ rejection, so careful monitoring is essential.
  • Once you have CMV, you carry it for life; the virus can stay dormant and reactivate later.
  • CMV is more serious for pregnant women, newborns, transplant recipients, and people with weakened immune systems.
  • Pregnant women should practice strict hand hygiene after contact with young children’s bodily fluids.
  • Grand Rapids residents have access to strong local healthcare systems and public health resources for CMV testing, counseling, and treatment.