Information about CMV

Overview of CMV
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common cause of congenital defects in babies in developed countries. Pregnant women who contract CMV can pass the virus onto their unborn baby, which can result in multiple disabilities including: hearing loss, vision loss, small head size, lack of coordination, and seizures.

Why Should You Care?
CMV is the most common congenital infection in the U.S., infecting about 30,000 babies each year, and about one baby daily in the state of Utah. Of the babies born with congenital CMV, 1 of every 5 will have permanent disabilities due to the virus. Congenital CMV causes more long-term problems and childhood deaths than Down Syndrome, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, and neural tube defects.

CMV efforts in Utah
Recognizing the lack of awareness about congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) and its potential devastating, long-term affects on babies, Utah lawmakers led the nation by passing a bill that directs the Utah Department of Health (UDOH) to establish a public education program to raise awareness of CMV and ways to prevent its spread. As part of the education effort, UDOH, public health advocates, and healthcare providers came together to share ideas of how to get the CMV message out to women who are pregnant or may become pregnant. As CMV is the most common cause of congenital defects (e.g., vision loss, hearing loss, lack of coordination, seizures) in the U.S., it is imperative that individuals that work with babies, children, and women understand how the virus is spread, how to prevent infection, and early intervention efforts.

Additional information about CMV
