Pregnant mothers warned not to eat a child’s leftovers

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Pregnant mothers warned not to eat a child’s leftovers

Pregnant mothers warned not to eat a child’s leftovers as doing so could pass on a ‘stealth virus’ that puts babies at risk of DEAFNESS

  • CMV, or cytomegalovirus, can be transmitted through children’s saliva 
  • The virus is often found on part-eaten food and picked up through kissing 
  • Experts at St George’s University of London have cautioned pregnant mothers
  • The congenital virus may put babies at risk of cerebral palsy and deafness
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It is a routine known to every mother.

Once the children are brought home from school, dinner must be served, leftover scraps from the children’s plates are hurriedly gulped down by hungry mothers and kisses are shared at bedtime.

But experts have warned pregnant women to avoid such seemingly unremarkable interactions with their children for fear they could pass a ‘stealth virus’ onto their unborn child.

For a little-known but common virus, CMV (cytomegalovirus), can be transmitted through children’s saliva – often found on part-eaten food and picked up through kissing – and infect unborn babies.


Experts have warned pregnant women to avoid such seemingly unremarkable interactions with their children for fear they could pass a ‘stealth virus’ onto their unborn child

Scientists at St George’s University of London have cautioned pregnant mothers that the congenital virus may put babies at risk of cerebral palsy, deafness and developmental delay.

Mother, Gayle Book, 40, from Greenwich, told of her heartbreak after finding out her second son, Toby, had contracted CMV from her in the womb.

Toby, now four, is profoundly deaf, has cochlear implants to help him communicate, and cannot speak or eat without help. He also has mobility and development issues and has to go to a special needs school.

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Mrs Book, who was forced to give up her job in finance to care for her son, told the Evening Standard: ‘It has changed my life,’ and added the lack of awareness about the virus was ‘insane’.

CMV affects around 1,000 babies every year and can cause severe disabilities. Approximately one in five babies with congenital CMV will have long term health problems.

Babies who are born with the infection but who do not show symptoms are still at risk of developing complications, such as deafness, later on in life.

WHAT IS CYTOMEGALOVIRUS (CMV)?

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus that is similar to the herpes pathogen that causes cold sores and chickenpox.

Although previously thought to be harmless, research released in September 2018 suggests it can trigger inflammation and the build up of plaque in arteries, which are both linked to heart disease.

CMV can also cause problems if a baby catches it during pregnancy.

Once a person becomes infected, CMV stays in their body for the rest of their life.

The virus is spread via contact and bodily fluids. 

Many are unaware they have CMV, however, some may experience a high temperature, fatigue, nausea or a sore throat when first infected.

CMV is not treated unless it affects a baby or a person with a weak immune system, in which case anti-viral drugs are given. There is no vaccine.

Source: NHS Choices 

While there is currently no screening or vaccine for the virus, medics at St George’s, University of London, hope the trial will raise awareness of the infection among expectant mothers.

It will see 400 mothers with a child under three years old watch an educational video highlighting the virus’ dangerous consequences.

Hand hygiene is crucial to prevent the spread of the virus, which can be prevented simply by washing your hands with soap and water.

Project Dr Chrissie Jones last night said: ‘The most important message is not to come into contact with the saliva of a young child.

‘We would discourage women from sharing food. It’s quite common for parents to finish uneaten meals, such as fish fingers. 

‘Don’t kiss your children directly on the lips, kiss them on the forehead.’ 

Dr Jones added: ‘For pregnant women, the most common way [to catch it] would be from a young child who is shedding the virus in urine and saliva. 

‘It’s those children those are going to nursery or playgroup who are most likely to pick up CMV from another child.’ 

Despite the risk posed, scientists have said CMV is unlikely to cause serious harm in the majority of cases.

The research team, who begun recruiting their trial participants on September 3, includes behavioural experts and clinicians from St George’s University, Kingston University, St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, University College London and Cambridge University.

Dr Anna Calvert, a research fellow on the project said: ‘One of the frustrations that families whose children are affected have is that they didn’t know anything about this virus, which can have very serious implications for their children’s health. 

‘Their passion for raising awareness about it has really motivated us to undertake this study.’

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