Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Awareness Month
National Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Awareness Month is an annual observance held in June to increase awareness of CMV, the most common infectious cause of birth defects.
CMV is a common virus; more than 50% of adults in the US will have been infected by age 40. Most people who become infected do not have symptoms. However, some populations such as those with weakened immune systems or pregnant people are at higher risk of experiencing complications.
Why are pregnant people at risk?
If a pregnant person becomes infected with CMV, they can pass it to the fetus during pregnancy. This is known as congenital CMV (cCMV). One in 200 infants are born with cCMV every year in the US. About 1 of every 5 children born with cCMV will develop permanent problems such as hearing loss, seizures, and developmental disabilities or delays due to the infection. cCMV leads to more long-term health problems than Down syndrome, fetal alcohol syndrome, and neural tube defects.
How to prevent CMV?
Despite the long-term health problems associated with CMV, many pregnant people do not know what CMV is and how it can affect their lives if they are pregnant or are seeking to become pregnant. Through simple means such as hand washing after contact with any body fluids, particularly saliva and urine of young children, avoiding the sharing of drinks, food, and eating utensils, and properly cleaning toys and other areas in the home, a pregnant person can decrease the chances of infection.
How do I know if my child has cCMV?
Babies can be tested for cCMV by using a urine or saliva sample. cCMV testing is simple, painless, and time-sensitive. It is important that your baby is tested before they are 21 days old to be accurate for the detection of a cCMV infection.
What if my child is born with cCMV?
If your child tests positive for congenital CMV, it is important to follow up with all recommended testing and services, as health problems such as hearing loss may be delayed. The additional evaluations for your baby include:
- Diagnostic audiological evaluation ASAP, if not done already, with frequent monitoring of hearing;
- Referral to an infectious disease physician;
- Referral to an ENT;
- Referral to a pediatric ophthalmologist;
- Referral to early intervention services.
Primary Children’s Hospital has a multi-disciplinary cCMV Clinic. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 801-662-1705.
Where can I go to learn more about CMV?
familyhealth.utah.gov/cmv
nationalcmv.org
Or for more information email cmv@utah.gov
