What is CMV?
- CMV or Cytomegalovirus is a very common virus; 50-80% of the U.S. population has had a CMV infection by 40 years old (CDC).
- It is typically harmless and can cause cold-like symptoms; 90% of adults and many children show no symptoms at all.
- Once a person has had CMV, it stays there for life and can reactivate. It is also possible to be reinfected with a different strain of CMV.
- It is more likely to occur in minority communities, especially young parents.
- There is currently no vaccine.
- Although CMV is a member of the herpesvirus family, it is not the same as Herpes Simplex Virus 2 (HSV-2), the sexually transmitted disease (STD).

Who is at risk for CMV?
- All pregnant individuals, but especially those…
- Who have young children in the home.
- Childcare workers, early interventionists, early childhood providers.
- Healthcare workers.
- People with compromised immune systems are also at risk for CMV infection.
- Nearly 1 in 3 children are infected by age 5.
- 8% - 20% of childcare staff are infected with CMV each year.
- 40% - 70% of childcare staff have evidence of a prior infection.
Awareness vs. Incidence
CMV awareness is dangerously low as compared to other congenital diseases, but just how low is it?


What are the signs of CMV?
- Hearing loss may be present at birth; however, half of all hearing loss cases due to CMV develop later on and/or are progressive. (Fowler et al., 1999)
- About 10% of babies with cCMV have signs at birth (CDC). Some signs are: Small head size, intrauterine growth restriction (low weight), seizures, rash, liver, spleen, and lung problems.
- Testing for CMV (saliva or urine) must be done within the first three weeks of life in order to determine if it occurred in utero.
- Massachusetts currently does not mandate CMV screening, although some hospitals may be screening children who fail their newborn hearing test and/or show other clinical signs.

What Treatments are available for CMV?
- For children who show signs of CMV at birth, antiviral medications may improve hearing and developmental outcomes but should be used with caution due to side effects.
- Babies diagnosed with congenital CMV should have regular hearing and vision screening as hearing loss may be present at birth or develop later and progressively worsen.
- Children with hearing loss should receive services such as speech therapy.
You can reduce the risk of acquiring CMV, learn how:
Page Sources: The National CMV Foundation | Nellie Brown | The CDC