B25: Cytomegaloviral disease

B25.2: Cytomegaloviral pancreatitis

There are many different types of viruses. You have been infected with the cytomegalovirus. This virus is usually transmitted by saliva and, less frequently, by blood or through sex.

When someone is infected by this virus, they often have few symptoms or none at all. However, in some cases the virus can make a person seriously ill. This happens when the defense system is weak, for example. Some of the virus remains in the body throughout the person’s life so it can cause illness later, too.

The pancreas is tucked behind the stomach in the upper abdomen. The pancreas produces messenger substances. The messenger substances control the sugar level in the blood. The pancreas also produces a fluid that is released into the intestines. This fluid contains substances that are important for the digestion of fats, proteins and sugars. When the pancreas is inflamed, you may have pain in the upper stomach, for example. Sometimes you may feel nauseated or feel like you have to vomit.