Congenital CMV (Cytomegalovirus)

CMV = Cytomegalovirus Very common virus, in same family as Chicken Pox Each year in the United States alone, 30,000 children are born with congenital CMV CMV is more common than Down Syndrome, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Spina Bifida, and Pediatric HIV/AIDS. According to a 2010 CDC study, only 13% of women in the U.S. were aware of CMV 50-60% of women are at risk for contracting CMV while pregnant Stop CMV - The CMV Action Network Copyright 2014

Babies born with CMV Congenital means “present from birth” Causes deafness, blindness, cerebral palsy, mental and physical disabilities, seizures, and even death Can cause symptoms after birth or later in life, after congenital CMV can be diagnosed Hearing or vision loss can occur months or even years after birth Stop CMV - The CMV Action Network Copyright 2014

How can you catch CMV? CMV is a very common virus found mostly in healthy babies, toddlers, and young children Up to 70% of healthy children between 1 and 3 years of age may have CMV CMV is spread through saliva, urine, tears, blood, mucus, and other bodily fluids CMV poses a major risk to pregnant women, especially mothers, daycare workers, preschool teachers, therapists, and nurses Stop CMV - The CMV Action Network Copyright 2014

Prevent CMV while pregnant Wash your hands with soap and water, especially after changing diapers or touching saliva or nasal secretions from a baby or young child Avoid kissing babies and young children on the mouth Do not share food, drinks, utensils or toothbrushes with babies or young children Stop CMV - The CMV Action Network Copyright 2014

Why haven’t you heard of CMV? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) recommend that OB/GYNs counsel women about CMV According to a 2007 survey, only 44% of OB/GYNs reported counseling their patients about preventing CMV Why? Perceived rarity of congenital CMV cases OB/GYN's possible limited knowledge of the virus Lack of congenital CMV diagnoses within their practice Simple oversight Stop CMV - The CMV Action Network Copyright 2014

What you can do If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, you can ask your doctor to be tested for CMV Always take preventative measures and practice good hygiene while pregnant Tell your family, friends, and colleagues about CMV Educate and encourage physicians in your community to learn more about CMV and counsel their patients Visit or for more information Stop CMV - The CMV Action Network Copyright 2014

My personal experience with congenital CMV… Stop CMV - The CMV Action Network Copyright 2014

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