Facts about CMV/HSV/Syphilis Young children are a common source of CMV. By the age of 5 years, 1 in 3 children has been infected with CMV but usually does not have symptoms. Congenital syphilis continues to surge, increasing 203 percent since 2017. Herpes simplex virus is a common virus that causes both oral herpes (HSV-1) and genital herpes (HSV-2). Five tips to help prevent CMV: do not share food/utensils/drinks, do not put a pacifier in your mouth, avoid contact with saliva when kissing a child, do not share a toothbrush, wash your hands. Pathogen Detection Kits Our quick, easy, and cost-effective kits are designed to rapidly identify any pathogen (virus, bacteria, fungi) in any environment. LEARN MORE