CMV

WHAT IS CMV?

Congenital cytomegalovirus, or CMV for short, is a viral infection that can occur in-utero if a pregnant person contracts this cold-like virus and it passes through the placenta to the growing baby. Congenital CMV is very common, affecting 1 in every 200 babies born in the United States. Infants with congenital CMV can experience a wide spectrum of symptoms - from no symptoms at all to hearing and vision loss, cerebral palsy, and seizures. CMV is preventable. Despite the potentially serious effects to a developing fetus, awareness of cCMV and prevention strategies are low among the general population but also among those who care for pregnant women.

WHAT CAN HAPPEN TO BABIES BORN WITH CMV?

Babies born with CMV are often categorized into two groups: Symptomatic (those with visible symptoms at birth) and Asymptomatic (those without visible symptoms at birth). Most babies with CMV have Asymptomatic CMV.

Asymptomatic CMV

• Have no signs at birth - including no signs on physical exam and no abnormal findings on eye exam or head ultrasound

• May have hearing loss at birth (from mild to profound hearing loss)

• Remain at risk of developing hearing loss over childhood

• May have subtle developmental delays

Symptomatic CMV

• Have signs either on physical exam, abnormal findings on eye exam or on head ultrasound

• May have hearing loss at birth (from mild to profound hearing loss)

• Remain at risk of developing hearing loss over childhood

• Half of these babies will develop long term effects of CMV which can range from hearing loss to cerebral palsy and learning problems

WHY IS AWARENESS OF CMV SO LOW?

In Michigan, screening for and counseling about congenital CMV is not a routine part of prenatal care, nor is targeted screening of infants with hearing loss. Most infants born with CMV are not diagnosed, which is likely attributable to three main problems:

• Overall lack of healthcare provider awareness about congenital CMV

• No formalized prenatal education around prevention or recognition of congenital CMV in Michigan

• Few targeted screening program to test infants for congenital CMV who may benefit from treatment or hearing monitoring in Michigan

WHAT CAN PREGNANT PEOPLE DUE TO LOWER THEIR RISK OF CMV?

CMV, the cold-like virus, is transmitted in bodily fluids, like saliva and urine. Toddlers and children who attend daycare often have CMV in their bodily fluids (from a prior cold). The virus remains in their saliva and urine for months after their cold symptoms have resolved. Taking precautions to avoid contact with the bodily fluids of toddlers can lower the risk of catching CMV when pregnant. These behaviors include:

• Avoid sharing cups, straws and utensils

• Wash hands well after all diaper changes

• Avoid sharing food with toddlers or preschoolers

• Give children kisses on the forehead or cheek instead of on the lips