Dangerous virus that lives for decades in the body named

A concerning health report highlights the persistent threat of Cytomegalovirus (CMV), a virus capable of lying dormant in the human body for decades. Zarema Ten, a therapist at the Vidnov Hospital of the Ministry of Health of the Moscow Region, informed NEWS.ru that CMV, classified as the fifth type of herpes, is a stealthy pathogen.

Its transmission routes are alarmingly common, including kissing, intimate contact, and the sharing of everyday items like dishes. This makes it a pervasive risk in daily life. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that a significant majority of adults, between 50% and 90%, are carriers of this virus, often without realizing it.

The insidious nature of CMV lies in its 'sleeping' state. After the initial infection, the virus remains in the body indefinitely, only becoming active when the host's immune system is compromised. This reactivation can occur during periods of illness, stress, or other conditions that weaken the body's defenses. Transmission can also occur through various biological fluids such as saliva, urine, blood, semen, and breast milk, underscoring the wide range of exposure possibilities.