Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
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Cytomegalovirus is a common virus that approximately 40-50% of the population has contracted at some point. However, congenital cytomegalovirus is when an unborn baby contracts the virus from their mother. It is the most common congenital viral infection in infants in the United States. It is also the leading cause of non-genetic hearing loss in children. Congenital CMV can have long lasting, serious medical impacts on children. It is serious, preventable, and common.
WHAT IS CMV?
WHO DOES IT IMPACT?
People can contract cytomegalovirus (CMV) at any time in their life and, for adults and children who are healthy, there may be no lasting medical complications. The Washington CMV Project is focused on the awareness of congenital CMV - infants born with the virus. 1 in 3 pregnant women, who contract CMV, will pass the infection onto their unborn child but may not even know they have been infected. In fact, studies show that 91% of women are NOT aware of CMV and do not know about the danger it poses on unborn babies.
In Washington State, 91% equals 1,399,995* women, of child-bearing age, who are unaware of this common, preventable, contagious, and serious infection.
(Source: March of Dimes
SOME SYMPTOMS OF CONGENITAL CMV INCLUDE:
Hearing loss
Vision loss
Microcephaly
Liver or spleen problems
Cerebral palsy
Developmental delays
Seizures
… and more.
Some infants who appear asymptomatic at birth (not showing symptoms) may develop symptoms later in life.
(Source: https://www.nationalcmv.org/overview/outcomes)
WAYS TO PREVENT CONTRACTING CMV WHILE PREGNANT
CMV is a very common virus and you may not know if someone is carrying it. It is best to follow simple
Wash your hands! … especially when exposed to bodily fluids
Avoid contact with saliva. This includes big kisses, nose wiping, sharing utensils and cups.
If you come into contact with saliva, wash your hands again.
#CMVFACTS: A Social Media Campaign
To further promote education and awareness of congenital cytomegalovirus, we initiated the hashtag #CMVFACTS. Using this hashtag, we strive to debunk and disspell all of the incorrect CMV myths populating the internet and social conversation. By presenting FACTS, we hope to increase understanding of this virus and the impact it can have on an unborn baby.
Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to see all of the #CMVFACTS. Please share these #CMVFACTS with everyone you follow by reposting, liking, and sharing.
