How do you get cytomegalovirus?

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a virus related to the group of herpes viruses.

'Cytomegalovirus' means any of a group of herpes viruses that enlarge epithelial cells and can cause birth defects; can affect humans with impaired immunological systems

Past or recent infection with CMV can be identified by antibody tests and CMV can be grown from body fluids.

Infection with CMV can cause no symptoms, or can be the source of serious illness in people with weak immune systems. CMV infection is also an important cause of birth defects.