Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a prevalent viral infection affecting numerous individuals.
This page provides information regarding the risks of CMV infection in childcare facilities and the measures workers can take to ensure their safety.
Understanding CMV: CMV is a commonly occurring viral infection. The initial encounter with CMV is termed a primary infection. Following this, the virus can reside in the body in an inactive or dormant state, occasionally reactivating when a person is unwell or stressed. A person previously infected may also experience reinfection with a different strain of CMV.
Transmission: CMV is occupationally transmitted from person to person through contact with bodily substances, such as urine and saliva. Even asymptomatic individuals can pass on the virus to others.
Additionally, CMV can be transmitted from a mother to her baby during pregnancy, known as congenital infection.
At-Risk Individuals: People with occupational exposure to young children, specifically:
- Workers in early childhood education and care services
- Healthcare workers caring for infants and children
- Patients with compromised immune systems.
Health Effects: CMV infection typically doesn't cause illness in healthy individuals, often going unnoticed. In some cases, it might result in a flu-like illness with symptoms like fever, sore throat, and swollen glands. However, serious illness can occur in those with weakened immune systems.
CMV and Pregnancy: The most severe form of congenital CMV infection usually affects infants born to mothers infected for the first time during pregnancy. Some babies may display symptoms at birth, leading to lifelong disabilities. Women in early childhood education and care services who are pregnant or planning pregnancy should discuss CMV with their doctor and inform their employer to assess and manage individual risks.
Preventing Infection: As there is currently no vaccine for CMV, practicing good hygiene, especially hand hygiene, is crucial for prevention. CMV infections are common among children in childcare settings, but most cases are asymptomatic, and infected children need not be excluded from the service.
The occupational risks of CMV infection in childcare facilities should be managed using a risk management approach, as outlined in the How to manage work health and safety risks code of practice 2021 (PDF, 0.65 MB).
Control measures may include:
- installing hand washing facilities close to nappy changing areas
- washing hands frequently, especially after contact with urine and saliva and after removing disposable gloves
- using disposable hand wipes or alcohol-based hand rub for situations where hand washing facilities are not readily available
- covering cuts with water-resistant dressings
- using disposable gloves for activities that involve contact with urine and saliva
- providing information to workers about CMV risks and work practices to reduce the risk of infection
- purchasing equipment and toys that are easily cleaned
- instructing workers not to kiss children on the mouth and face
- implementing cleaning programs for surfaces and items that are soiled with urine and saliva, including nappy change mats, potties, feeding utensils and toys
- implementing procedures for hygienic nappy changing and the storage and disposal of soiled nappies
- taking steps to prevent urine from spraying into the face of workers if infants pass urine during nappy changing (especially infant boys)
- implementing laundry procedures for linen that is soiled with urine and saliva, e.g. make sure that soiled personal clothing and linen are placed in a sealed bag and sent home with the child for washing
- implementing procedures for cleaning up accidental spills of urine that could occur during toilet training
- relocating workers who are pregnant, or who expect to become pregnant, to care for children aged over two to reduce contact with urine and saliva.