When I found out I was expecting my first child, my healthcare provider gave me a thorough rundown of the essential information needed for a healthy pregnancy. The list of restrictions was long—no alcohol, no smoking, no sushi, no excessive caffeine, and no cold cuts. She detailed the necessary prenatal tests and scheduled ultrasounds. However, there was one critical topic that was overlooked: Congenital Cytomegalovirus, or CMV. This virus is recognized as the most prevalent viral infection and the leading non-genetic cause of hearing loss in newborns in the United States, according to the National CMV Foundation.
Until recently, CMV was unfamiliar to me, which isn’t surprising given that 91% of women are unaware of it, even though over half of the global population will have contracted the virus by age 40. The widespread nature of CMV and its lack of awareness prompted Moderna to host a webinar to increase public knowledge about the virus.
What Is CMV?
CMV is a virus that can affect individuals of any age and remains in the body for life once contracted. Generally, it is harmless for healthy individuals, often presenting no symptoms or only mild ones that mimic cold-like illnesses. For pregnant individuals or those with weakened immune systems, however, the virus can pose serious risks. “In short, CMV is common and complex,” says Dr. Emily Johnson, VP of Clinical Development, Infectious Disease at Moderna.
What Is Congenital CMV?
When CMV infects a fetus during pregnancy, it is referred to as Congenital CMV. This infection is the most frequent congenital viral infection in the U.S., affecting around 30,000 infants each year. Babies born with congenital CMV appear healthy at birth, but unfortunately, 20% will face long-term health issues, with an estimated 6,000 children experiencing significant challenges and as many as 400 infant fatalities annually, as reported by the National CMV Foundation.
The National CMV Foundation identifies several potential birth defects and developmental disabilities associated with congenital CMV, including:
- Hearing loss (the leading non-genetic cause of hearing loss)
- Vision impairment
- Intellectual disabilities
- Microcephaly (abnormally small head/brain)
- Intracranial calcifications
- Lack of coordination
- Cerebral Palsy
- Feeding difficulties / Failure to Thrive (FTT)
- Sleep, behavior, and sensory issues
- Seizures
- Death (in rare cases)
How Can I Protect Myself from CMV?
“Awareness is the first step toward meaningful change,” emphasizes Corinne Le Goff, Chief Commercial Officer at Moderna. Therefore, recognizing CMV’s existence is vital. Despite the over 400 million pregnancy-related searches in 2020, only three million involved CMV, illustrating that less than one percent of pregnancy inquiries related to the leading cause of birth defects in the U.S.
Next, it’s crucial to educate yourself on how to safeguard against CMV, especially if you’re of childbearing age or planning a pregnancy. The National CMV Foundation is a valuable resource dedicated to empowering women to take control of their health before CMV impacts them or their families. Dr. Megan H. Pesch, MD, also advises women to inform their healthcare providers about CMV.
Practicing good hygiene is the third line of defense against CMV, particularly for expectant parents with toddlers or those working in schools or daycare facilities. Nearly one in three children in the U.S. will contract CMV by age five. Handwashing becomes critical, especially after changing diapers, wiping a child’s nose or mouth, or handling their toys. CMV spreads primarily through direct contact with bodily fluids, such as saliva, urine, and breast milk—not casual close contact.
Raising awareness, educating oneself, and preventing CMV is essential for current and future generations. Dr. Johnson highlights the importance of this issue, stating, “We owe it to future families to be conscious of this virus.”
While CMV is prevalent and concerning, it is also preventable. Moderna is working on an mRNA vaccine to combat CMV infection. Until such a vaccine becomes available, staying informed is key. Knowledge truly is power.
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Potential Search Queries:
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In summary, CMV is a widespread virus that poses significant risks to pregnant individuals and their babies. Awareness, education, and good hygiene practices are essential for prevention. As research continues, future advancements may further protect families from CMV.
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